1971-D Kennedy Half Dollar

Kennedy Half Dollar Overview

Designed to commemorate beloved President John F. Kennedy after his tragic death just a year earlier, the Kennedy Half Dollar has seen a long and interesting production life. Changes to its composition and design were frequent during the first 13 years of its production. Even with theses changes, the Kennedy Half Dollar has only grown in popularity with collectors and non-collectors alike.

Rare 1971-D Kennedy Half Dollar Planchet Error

Even though silver was supposed to be removed in 1971, some planchets that were made from the previous 40% silver composition slipped through and were struck with dates bearing 1971. This is a major mint error as all 1971 Kennedy Half Dollars were to be made with 75% copper and 25% nickel planchets.

This error most likely happened when some older 40% silver planchets got stuck in the bins used to move raw planchets to the striking machines. When emptied, these silver planchets ended up in the hopper and were later struck.

The rare 1971-D Planchet Error does have a much higher price tag than regular examples. At auction, an example in AU-55 brought just over $6,000. Prices for these unique errors continue to rise as the possibility of any more new examples surviving lowers.

****Additional Info: The 1971 Denver minted Half Dollar was the most widely circulated of the 71 Half Dollars. This was the first year that the US Mint issued Kennedy Half Dollars in a non silver state. Anything after 1970 contains no silver. These coins are a copper-nickel composition, being a nickel jacket over a copper core. Look for the DDO (double die obverse error) on the 1971 D version. (http://cointrackers.com/coins/615/1971-d-kennedy-half-dollar/)