Circulation strike mintages once again began to trend lower with the 1997 Kennedy Half Dollar (Buy on eBay). Production took place at both the Philadelphia and Denver Mints with 20,882,000 and 19,876,000 coins struck at each facility respectively. These coins were distributed to the channels of circulation and included within the annual Uncirculated Mint Sets issued by the United States Mint.
The mintage levels for Proof coins had somewhat stabilized after the low levels experienced back in 1995. The standard composition Proof Kennedy Half Dollar reached 2,055,000, while the 90% silver composition Proof reached 741,678. Each of these coins were included within a Proof Set containing one example of each denomination.
Examples of each of these coins can be acquired by collectors without much difficulty. For registry set collectors seeking high grade certified examples, there can be more intense competition for top graded coins.
1997 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)
1997 Kennedy Half Dollar Mintages:
- 1997-P: 20,882,000
- 1997-D: 19,876,000
- 1997-S Proof: 2,055,000
- 1997-S Silver Proof: 741,678
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