1987-D Kennedy Half Dollar BU

CVC & Collectables presents the 1987-D Kennedy Half Dollar, struck at the Denver Mint and offered in Brilliant Uncirculated condition. This copper-nickel clad issue is a notable modern rarity for circulation collectors, as no Kennedy Half Dollars were released into general circulation in 1987. All coins from this year were issued only in U.S. Mint Sets, making them scarcer in the market compared to most other clad issues.

Coin Highlights:

• Mint: Denver Mint (“D” mintmark)

• Year: 1987

• 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: 2,890,758 (Denver) — Mint Set only

• 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 1987-D Kennedy Half Dollar is sought after because it was never released into circulation. All surviving examples originated from government-issued Mint Sets, meaning most were well-preserved. Brilliant Uncirculated specimens like this display sharp detail, strong luster, and minimal marks, making them essential for completing a high-grade Kennedy Half Dollar 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.