1973-D Kennedy Half Dollar BU

CVC & Collectables presents the 1973-D Kennedy Half Dollar, struck at the Denver Mint and offered in Brilliant Uncirculated condition.

Coin Highlights:

• Mint: Denver Mint (“D” mintmark)

• Year: 1973

• Denomination: Half Dollar (50 Cents)

• Weight: 11.34 grams

• Composition: Copper-Nickel Clad (75% Copper, 25% Nickel over a pure copper core)

• Diameter: 30.6 mm

• Grade: Brilliant Uncirculated (BU)

• Mintage: 83,171,400

• Obverse: Portrait of President John F. Kennedy facing left, designed by Gilroy Roberts, with inscriptions “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” along with the year of issue and “D” mintmark

• Reverse: Presidential Coat of Arms with heraldic eagle clutching arrows and olive branch, designed by Frank Gasparro, with inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “HALF DOLLAR”

• Edge: Reeded

Collectibility:

The 1973-D Kennedy Half Dollar is sought after because it was never released for everyday circulation. All examples came from Mint Sets, ensuring they were preserved in higher grades. BU specimens exhibit strong detail, original luster, and minimal contact marks, making them an appealing addition to a complete Kennedy series collection.

Historical Significance:

The Kennedy Half Dollar, first issued in 1964, became one of the most popular U.S. coin designs, honoring the nation’s 35th president. By the mid-1980s, reduced demand for half dollars led the U.S. Mint to skip general circulation production in certain years, including 1987. This decision unintentionally created modern low-mintage collector-only issues, such as the 1987-D, which now holds a special place in the series.