The 1996 Kennedy Half Dollar (Buy on eBay) is known for being more frequently encountered in superb gem condition compared to other surrounding years. This applies to the circulation strike versions produced at the Philadelphia and Denver Mint facilities.
Coin grading company PCGS shows more than 300 examples each of the 1996-P Kennedy Half Dollar and the 1996-D Kennedy Half Dollar graded MS67. This is more than triple the numbers of the preceding and subsequent years. A higher number of coins have also been graded MS68, particularly for the Philadelphia issue. These coins are usually sharply struck with excellent luster.
With respect to the Proof versions of the coins struck at the San Francisco Mint, the mintage for the clad issue fell, while the 90% silver version rose. Registry set collectors will typically pursue these coins in the highest possible grade of PCGS PR70DCAM or NGC PF 70 Ultra Cameo. While top graded examples are somewhat available, they drive a big premium over the Proof-69 graded or raw examples.
1996 Kennedy Half Dollar Specifications:
- Denomination: $0.50
- Composition: 91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel; 90% silver, 10% copper (silver Proof)
- Weight: 11.34 grams; 12.50 grams (silver Proof)
- Diameter: 30.61 mm
- Edge: reeded
- Mint Mark: none (Philadelphia), “D” (Denver), “S” (San Francisco)
1996 Kennedy Half Dollar Mintages:
- 1996-P: 24,442,000
- 1996-D: 24,744,000
- 1996-S Proof: 1,750,244
- 1996-S Silver Proof: 775,021
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