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Kennedy half cheat sheet: sort by metal, not by the face
Kennedy halves are three stacks: 1964 is 90% silver, 1965–1970 is 40%, 1971-on circulation is clad. 1970-D 40% came only in mint sets. There is no 1916-D-style key. This is a metal sort, not a price list.
Kennedy halves do not have a 1916-D. They have three metals. Sort that first. Not a price list.
Three stacks
- 1964 (P and D): 90% — same silver as a Walker or Franklin
- 1965–1970: 40%. Edge shows a sandwich. 1970-D is mint-set only. 1970-S is a 40% proof
- 1971-on circulation: clad. Face. 1976 Bicentennial clad is common; 40% lives in the silver sets
Also pull (not because they are “keys”)
- 1964 SMS / special strikes if you truly have one
- Later silver proofs and 2014 gold/silver anniversary pieces still in the Mint box
- Obvious doubled-die suspects — most are not
Usually face
1971–1974, 1977–1979, and later circulation halves. A 1972-D is fifty cents.
People also ask
Is 1965 90%? No. 40%.
Is 1970-D rare? Mint-set only. Better than a 1971-D. Not a 1964.
Part of the coin and money library · visitors & collectors
How we dump a bag
Edge first. Solid silver-looking rim = 1964. Dark sandwich = 1965–70. Copper stripe = clad.
Then dates. 1970 we look for D (mint set) or S (proof). 1976 we ask if it came from a silver set; most did not. Kennedy halves. Proof set vs mint set.
A 1964 proof half in a set is still 90%, plus a set conversation.
1964 Kennedys go in the 90% tub with Walkers and Franklins. 40% Kennedys get their own tub. Clad stays face. Don’t clean.
If you cannot read the date, use the edge. Sandwich is 40%. Copper stripe is clad. Solid silver-looking rim is 1964 until the date says otherwise.