1998 Kennedy Half Dollar

About This Coin

The 1998 Kennedy Half Dollar is a United States half dollar from the Kennedy Half Dollars Clad and Silver Proof 1971 to Date series — 26th of 53 years in the series. In 1998, coins were struck at the San Francisco, Denver, and Philadelphia Mints with a combined mintage of 33.7 million. This ranks 28th of 53 years by total mintage, above 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, 30.61 mm in diameter, with a 150 reeds edge. Collectors have identified one known die variety for this date (spiked head). Across its variants, estimated values range from $1 to $177 depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $1.5K in MS68 grade at eBay. Designed by Gilroy Roberts/Frank Gasparro.