The value of a 1776-1976 Bicentennial Half Dollar varies considerably based on several factors:
- Circulated: These coins, showing signs of wear from everyday use, are generally worth between $1.50 and $3.
- Uncirculated: Coins in pristine condition, showing no wear, can range from $5 to $20, with higher prices for coins with better grades (e.g., higher numerical grades on the Sheldon scale).
- Proof: Specially minted coins, often from the San Francisco Mint with an “S” mint mark, have a mirror-like finish and can command significantly higher prices, starting around $20 and potentially exceeding $100 for high-grade examples.
- Philadelphia (No Mint Mark): These are the most common and generally have the lowest values.
- Denver (“D” Mint Mark): Values are slightly higher than Philadelphia coins, especially in uncirculated conditions. For example, a circulated 1976 D Half Dollar is worth $1.50-$3, while an uncirculated one is worth $4-$10.
- San Francisco (“S” Mint Mark): These can be found in both clad (copper-nickel) and silver varieties. Silver coins with the “S” mint mark are generally more valuable and were often included in special collector sets.
- While most Bicentennial half dollars are clad (copper-nickel), some were minted with a 40% silver content, primarily those produced at the San Francisco Mint with an “S” mint mark.
- You can identify silver coins by checking for the “S” mint mark, weighing the coin (silver versions weigh slightly more), or examining the edge, which will appear uniformly silvery on a silver coin compared to the copper line on clad versions.
- Silver bicentennial half dollars are valued between $20 and $50 or more, depending on their condition. According to the NGC Price Guide as of August 2025, a circulated [1776-1976 S SILVER Kennedy Half Dollar] is worth between $5.75 and $6.25. However, the same coin in pristine, uncirculated condition can sell for as much as $12,500.
- Rare minting errors can significantly increase a coin’s value. Examples include:
– Doubled Die Errors : Showing doubling in the text or images, such as the inscription “INDEPENDENCE HALL”. A specific example sold for $5,200.
– Off-Center Strikes : Resulting in a misaligned design . One such coin reached $2,800.
– Missing Clad Layers : Exposing the coin’s copper core, creating a distinctive look . A unique example sold for $1,900.
– Clipped Planchets : Where part of the coin’s edge is missing.
- Values for error coins can start at $50 and reach into the thousands for particularly rare or dramatic mistakes.
In summary, while most 1776-1976 Bicentennial Half Dollars have a modest value above their face value, collectors particularly seek out coins in pristine condition, those with the “S” mint mark indicating silver content or proof status, and especially those exhibiting rare minting errors.
Are 1776-1976 coins rare?
This 1776-1976 Bicentennial Quarter is a rare and valuable addition to any US coin collection. With no mint mark and a unique lettering design, this coin is sure to stand out. The composition, strike type, fineness, and grade of this circulated coin are unknown.