1776 to 1976 Bicentennial Half Dollar is an iconic piece of American history. Issued to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, this coin stands out for its distinctive dual date and design celebrating the country’s bicentennial. This half dollar, often referred to as the Kennedy Bicentennial Half Dollar, is not only a symbol of national pride but also a valuable collector’s item.
In this detailed guide, we’ll explore the coin value of the 1776 to 1976 Bicentennial Half Dollar, its various mint marks, and the errors that make specific coins more valuable. We’ll also dive into the coin’s history, features, and how to grade and sell it. Whether you’re an experienced collector or a beginner, this article will provide valuable insight into the Bicentennial Half Dollar.
Introduction to the 1776 to 1976 Bicentennial Half Dollar
The 1776 to 1976 Kennedy Half Dollar was minted as part of the bicentennial celebrations in the United States. This coin, like the Eisenhower Dollar and Washington Quarter released during the same period, carried a unique design on its reverse to commemorate the country’s 200-year anniversary.
Collectors are particularly interested in these coins because of their historical significance and design. The obverse of the coin features the familiar portrait of John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the 35th president of the United States, while the reverse highlights an image of Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed.
However, what adds extra interest is the coin value, especially when factoring in the mint marks and the potential errors, which can significantly increase the worth of this bicentennial coin.
History and Background of the 1776 to 1976 Bicentennial Half Dollar
In the mid-1970s, the United States was preparing for its bicentennial celebrations. To honor the 200th anniversary of American independence, the U.S. Mint decided to create special versions of several coins: the quarter, half dollar, and dollar. Unlike other coins, which typically feature only one date, these coins were inscribed with “1776 – 1976” to mark the occasion.
The half dollar, already known as the Kennedy Half Dollar, had been circulating since 1964 to honor the late President John Fitzgerald Kennedy. The U.S. Mint redesigned the reverse of the coin to showcase Independence Hall, adding to its allure for both the general public and coin collectors.
Mintage and Mint Locations
The Philadelphia Mint, Denver Mint, and San Francisco Mint were responsible for minting these special bicentennial coins. Each mint issued both circulated and proof coins for collectors. The San Francisco Mint was the only location to produce silver-clad versions of the half dollar, while the Philadelphia and Denver Mints issued copper-nickel clad coins.
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Here are the mintage figures for the 1776 to 1976 Bicentennial Half Dollar:
| Mint Location | Mintage |
| Philadelphia (No Mint Mark) | ~234 million |
| Denver (“D” Mint Mark) | ~287 million |
| San Francisco (“S” Proof) | ~7 million |
| San Francisco (“S” Silver) | ~11 million |
| San Francisco (“S” Silver Proof) | ~4 million |
The total mintage reflects the high demand and production volume for these commemorative coins, but specific varieties and errors significantly affect the coin value.
Features of the 1776 to 1976 Bicentennial Half Dollar
The 1776 to 1976 Kennedy Half Dollar is rich in symbolism, with both its obverse and reverse celebrating the nation’s heritage.
Obverse Design
The obverse of the Kennedy Half Dollar retains the portrait of John Fitzgerald Kennedy, designed by Gilroy Roberts in 1964. The familiar profile of the 35th president is a tribute to his legacy, and above it, the word “Liberty” is boldly inscribed. Below the portrait, the dual dates “1776-1976” highlight the coin’s commemorative nature, while the motto “In God We Trust” is positioned near Kennedy’s neckline.
Reverse Design
The reverse of the coin, designed by Seth G. Huntington, features Independence Hall, the building where both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were debated and signed. The inscription “200 Years of Freedom” honors the bicentennial, while “E Pluribus Unum” (Latin for “Out of many, one”) is displayed near the bottom of the coin.
The reverse design differs from the standard Kennedy Half Dollar, making the bicentennial edition a must-have for collectors. The detail and artistry reflect the historical importance of the event it commemorates.
Composition and Specifications
The bicentennial half dollar comes in two main types:
- Copper-Nickel Clad: The majority of the half dollars were struck in a copper-nickel alloy for general circulation.
- Silver-Clad: The San Francisco Mint produced special silver-clad versions with 40% silver content, which were sold to collectors.
| Specification | Copper-Nickel Clad | Silver-Clad |
| Composition | 75% copper, 25% nickel | 40% silver, 60% copper |
| Diameter | 30.6 mm | 30.6 mm |
| Weight | 11.34 grams | 11.50 grams |
| Edge | Reeded | Reeded |
Value Chart for the 1776 to 1976 Bicentennial Half Dollar
The coin value for the 1776 to 1976 Bicentennial Half Dollar depends on factors such as condition, mint mark, and whether the coin is made from copper-nickel or silver. Circulated coins generally hold less value compared to their uncirculated or proof coin counterparts.
Circulated Value Ranges:
- No Mint Mark (Philadelphia): $1 – $2
- D Mint Mark (Denver): $2
- S Mint Mark (San Francisco, Regular Proof): $4.15 – $7
Uncirculated Value Ranges:
- No Mint Mark (Philadelphia): $3 – $4
- D Mint Mark (Denver): $6 – $40
- S Mint Mark (San Francisco, Silver): $8 – $140
- S Mint Mark (San Francisco, Silver Proof): Up to $2,800
1776 to 1976 Bicentennial Half Dollar Value by Mint Mark
The coin’s mint mark is crucial in determining its value. Each of the three mints—Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco—produced unique versions of the Kennedy Half Dollar. Here’s how the value varies based on the mint mark.
No Mint Mark (Philadelphia)
Coins from the Philadelphia Mint lack a mint mark and are the most common among the bicentennial half dollars. While circulated examples are generally worth around $1 to $2, uncirculated versions may reach $3 to $4 depending on their condition.
D Mint Mark (Denver)
Coins from the Denver Mint bear a “D” mint mark and are generally more valuable than their Philadelphia counterparts. Uncirculated coins from Denver can fetch anywhere from $6 to $40, depending on their grade and condition.
S Mint Mark (San Francisco)
The San Francisco Mint produced both proof coins and silver-clad coins, making them particularly valuable to collectors.
- S Mint Mark (Regular Proof):
- These coins are often valued between $4.15 and $7 in circulated condition.
- S Mint Mark (Silver):
- The 40% silver content makes these coins especially desirable, with values ranging from $8 to $140 based on their condition.
- S Mint Mark (Silver Proof):
- The silver proof version of the bicentennial half dollar can be worth up to $2,800, depending on the grade and preservation of the coin.
Grading the 1776 to 1976 Bicentennial Half Dollar
Coin grading is a critical factor in determining the value of a Bicentennial Half Dollar. Coins are graded on a scale from MS (Mint State) 60 to MS 70, with higher grades fetching significantly more in the market.
Circulated vs. Uncirculated
- Circulated Coins: Coins that have been used in commerce and show signs of wear. These coins typically have lower values.
- Uncirculated Coins: Coins that have not been used in commerce and retain their original luster. These coins are much more valuable, especially in higher grades.
Grading Factors
- Strike: The sharpness and clarity of the coin’s design.
- Luster: The sheen or brightness of the coin.
- Surface Preservation: The absence of scratches, nicks, or blemishes.
Error Varieties of the 1776 to 1976 Bicentennial Half Dollar
Error coins are particularly sought after by collectors, as they are often rare and unique. Several types of error coins exist for the bicentennial half dollar, including brockage errors and curved clip errors.
Brockage Error
A brockage error occurs when a coin is struck with an already-struck coin in the die, leading to a mirrored image on one side. These errors are valuable and rare, often fetching high prices at auction.
Curved Clip Error
The curved clip error results from a malfunction in the coin blanking process, causing a portion of the coin to be missing. The value of these errors depends on the severity of the clip and the overall condition of the coin.
Conclusion
The 1776 to 1976 Bicentennial Half Dollar remains an important and valuable piece of American numismatic history. Whether you’re interested in circulated, uncirculated, or error coins, there’s significant potential for collectors to find valuable examples. The coin’s mint mark, grading, and any potential errors play a key role in determining its worth, with some varieties reaching prices as high as $2,800.
For both seasoned collectors and those new to the hobby, the Kennedy Bicentennial Half Dollar represents not just a coin, but a tangible connection to America’s bicentennial celebration—a time of patriotism, history, and unity. Whether you’re hunting for a rare error or a pristine silver proof, the Bicentennial Half Dollar offers something for every collector.
Oliver Leo is an experienced blogger who explores the unusual and fascinating aspects of life. With a passion for adventure and discovery, he dives deep into topics like Dumpster Diving, Metal Detecting, and Coin Collecting, sharing his knowledge and insights on Bizarre Fancies.
