For a second time within the series, the half dollar was not produced for circulation but only issued within uncirculated mint sets. This makes for a low mintage of the 1987 Kennedy Half Dollar (Buy on eBay) of 2,890,758 pieces from both the Philadelphia and Denver Mint facilities.
Since collectors knew that the denomination would only be issued within Mint Set, this led to rather robust sales. The other instance when the half dollar had only been issued within collector sets strong premiums had developed, so collectors sensed a similar opportunity. While the 1987 Mint Set does trade at a premium to other surrounding years, it never gained the status of the 1970 Mint Set.
Proof versions of the half dollar were struck at the San Francisco Mint. The mintage here was higher than previous years at 4,227,728.
1987 Kennedy Half Dollar Specifications:
- Denomination: $0.50
- Composition: 91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel
- Weight: 11.34 grams
- Diameter: 30.61 mm
- Edge: reeded
- Mint Mark: none (Philadelphia), “D” (Denver), “S” (San Francisco)
1987 Kennedy Half Dollar Mintages:
- 1987-P: 2,890,758
- 1987-D: 2,890,758
- 1987-S Proof: 4,227,728
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