1971-D 50C MS68 Certification #36118726, PCGS #6717

Type: Kennedy Half Dollar, Type 3, Copper-Nickel Clad (1971- ) Designer: Gilroy Roberts / Frank Gasparro Content: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel over a pure Copper center Weight: 11.30 grams Diameter: 30.61 millimeters Edge: Reeded (150 reeds) Mint: Denver Production Strikes: 302,097,424 General Type Description: Beginning in 1971, all silver was removed from the Half Dollar, in favor of the same copper-nickel clad alloy that had been in use on Dimes and Quarter Dollars since 1965. Mintages remained low relative to all other denominations, with the result that the Half Dollar was seldom used or seen in circulation (a situation that persists today). Though somewhat lengthy, this series is easy and affordable to collect as either circulation strikes, Proofs, or both. Some dates, such as 1987-P and D, 2001-P, 2002-P and D, and others were not issued for circulation but are available only in Mint sets, adding a bit of a challenge. Major varieties include a 1972 No “FG” and a 1974 Doubled Die Obverse. (Source: Guth, Ron. PCGS CoinFacts) Specific Issue Description: The 1971-D Kennedy Half Dollar is really common with hundreds of millions of examples produced. More than likely, most of them still survive and are probably sitting in banks, vaults or even in jars in people's homes being kept as conversation pieces. Most however do not command a premium. Only in MS67 do they begin to command somewhat of a premium as there are probably less than 1,000 examples known. In MS68, they are very difficult to come by and more than likely there are less than a dozen known with none existing in high condition. Exemplar Notes: A blast-white superb Gem acquired 11/2018 via Great Collections. One of only four graded MS68 with none finer (as of 11/18).

Jaime Hernandez

The Mint changed the composition of Kennedy Half Dollars this year. Instead of having some silver they switched over to a clad composition. The 1971-D Kennedy Half Dollar is really common with hundreds of millions of examples produced. More than likely, most of them still survive and are probably sitting in banks, vaults or even in jars in people's homes being kept as conversation pieces. 

Most however do not command a premium. Only in MS67 do they begin to command somewhat of a premium as there are probably less than 1,000 examples known. In MS68, they are very difficult to come by and more than likely there are less than a dozen known with none existing in high condition.