Collection: Type 4, Bicentennial

Designed by: Gilroy Roberts and Seth Huntington
Issue Dates: 1975-1976
Composition: 75% copper, 25% nickel over pure copper core (clad coins)
40% silver, 60% copper (silver clad coins)
Diameter: 30.6 mm
Weight: 11.34 grams (175.00 grains, clad coins), 11.50 grams (177.47 grains, silver clad coins)
Edge: Reeded
Business Strike Mintage: 521,873,248 (clad coins), 11,000,000 (silver clad coins)
Proof Mintage: 7,059,099 (clad), 4,000,000 (silver clad)

1776–1976 Kennedy Half Dollar | Bicentennial Issue – Clad & 40% Silver Collector Versions

To commemorate the 200th anniversary of American independence, the U.S. Mint released a trio of specially-designed coins in 1976, including the Bicentennial Kennedy Half Dollar. Issued with a unique dual date of 1776–1976, this historic coin stands as a tribute to America’s enduring legacy of liberty.

Obverse & Reverse Design

The obverse retains Gilroy Roberts' enduring portrait of President John F. Kennedy, but now bears the dual date 1776–1976, replacing the traditional single-year inscription.

The reverse, designed by Seth G. Huntington, showcases a detailed frontal view of Independence Hall in Philadelphia, a powerful symbol of American democracy. Unlike the other Bicentennial coins, the half dollar uniquely includes inscriptions “200 YEARS OF FREEDOM” and “INDEPENDENCE HALL,” making it the only one of the three Bicentennial designs to feature additional commemorative language.

Composition & Varieties

Three distinct versions of the Bicentennial Kennedy Half Dollar were produced:

• Copper-Nickel Clad Business Strikes

  • Struck in 1975 and 1976 for circulation

  • Minted at Philadelphia (no mintmark) and Denver (D)

• 40% Silver Clad Business Strikes

  • Special collector issues using the same .400 silver alloy as the 1965–1970 half dollars

  • Mintage: 11,000,000+

• 40% Silver Clad Proofs

  • Struck at the San Francisco Mint (S)

  • Mintage: Approx. 4,000,000

All silver versions were packaged and distributed specifically for collectors and were never released into general circulation.

Collectibility & Market Appeal

The 1976 Bicentennial Kennedy Half Dollar is a standout in 20th-century U.S. numismatics for several reasons:

• Only U.S. coin to bear the inscription “200 Years of Freedom”

• Part of a one-time commemorative redesign approved by Congress

• Available in both copper-nickel and 40% silver formats

• A historically significant type coin from the nation’s bicentennial celebration

Collectors can easily acquire examples in Uncirculated and Proof condition, making it a popular and accessible addition to any Kennedy half dollar collection, type set, or modern commemorative grouping.