1988 Kennedy Half Dollar
Base
About This Coin
The 1988 Kennedy Half Dollar is a United States half dollar from the Kennedy Half Dollars Clad and Silver Proof 1971 to Date series — 16th of 53 years in the series. In 1988, coins were struck at the San Francisco, Denver, and Philadelphia Mints with a combined mintage of 28.9 million. This ranks 24th of 53 years by total mintage, below the series median of 32.8 million. The obverse features John F. Kennedy facing left, based on the presidential medal by Gilroy Roberts and the reverse displays the Presidential Seal — a heraldic eagle with shield, olive branch, and arrows. Struck after the transition from silver to clad coinage, as the Mint adapted to modern production methods and record-breaking mintages. Struck in 75% copper, 25% nickel over a pure copper center, weighing 11.3 grams, 30.61 mm in diameter, with a 150 reeds edge. Collectors have identified one known die variety for this date (doubled die obverse). Across its variants, estimated values range from $1 to $6 depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $3.7K in PR70 grade at Heritage Auctions. Designed by Gilroy Roberts/Frank Gasparro.
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — range across all strike types, reflecting typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
