On Thursday, June 20, 2013, the United States Mint began selling rolls and bags of 2013 Kennedy half-dollars.
Price points vary with bags containing 200 coins at $139.95 and 20-coin rolls sold in units of two for $32.95. Half of the coins in each product option are produced at the U.S. Mint facility in Philadelphia while the other half are struck at the Denver Mint.
"Each coin roll in the two-roll set is wrapped in a United States Mint paper coin wrap that displays a ‘P’ or ‘D’ for its mint of origin and ‘$10’ for its face value," the U.S. Mint described in a news release. "Each bag is marked with a ‘P’ and ‘D’ for the mints of origin and ‘$100’ for the face value of its contents."
All of the half-dollars are in circulating quality, the same as if produced for commerce. But since 2002, none have been delivered to the Federal Reserve for banks to order so you won’t see them in pocket change. The U.S. Mint produces enough to meet collector demand, making them available through numismatic products only.
Past Mintages
Coin production figures show plummeting half-dollar mintages after their circulation distribution ended in 2001. Annual mintage totals have steadied in recent years, hovering around the 3.5 million mark.
2000 – 2013 Kennedy Half-Dollar Mintages
| Denver Mint | Philadelphia Mint | Total Mintage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 19,470,000 | 22,600,000 | 42,070,000 |
| 2001 | 19,500,000 | 21,200,000 | 40,700,000 |
| 2002 | 2,500,000 | 3,100,000 | 5,600,000 |
| 2003 | 2,500,000 | 2,500,000 | 5,000,000 |
| 2004 | 2,900,000 | 2,900,000 | 5,800,000 |
| 2005 | 3,500,000 | 3,800,000 | 7,300,000 |
| 2006 | 2,000,000 | 2,400,000 | 4,400,000 |
| 2007 | 2,400,000 | 2,400,000 | 4,800,000 |
| 2008 | 1,700,000 | 1,700,000 | 3,400,000 |
| 2009 | 1,900,000 | 1,900,000 | 3,800,000 |
| 2010 | 1,700,000 | 1,800,000 | 3,500,000 |
| 2011 | 1,700,000 | 1,750,000 | 3,450,000 |
| 2012 | 1,700,000 | 1,800,000 | 3,500,000 |
| 2013* | 1,800,000 | 1,800,000 | 3,600,000 |
*Though unlikely, demand could push mintages higher for 2013.
Recent Numismatic Product Sales
In addition to this year’s coin, the U.S. Mint continues to offer 2012 Kennedy half-dollars. Bags of them sold out earlier this year but rolls remain available. The following table offers sales of 2011- and 2012-dated 50-cent pieces through to Sunday, June 16, 2013.
| Latest Sales | Total Coins | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 P&D 200-Coin Bag | 10,323 | 2,994,000 | NLA* |
| 2012 P&D Two-Roll Set | 23,235 | ||
| 2011 P&D 200-Coin Bag | 9,455 | 3,002,280 | NLA |
| 2011 P&D Two-Roll Set | 27,782 | NLA |
*NLA = No Longer Available.
Ordering Rolls and Bags
Rolls and bags of Kennedy half-dollars are available through the U.S. Mint website on this product page.
Orders may also be placed by calling the Mint’s toll-free number at 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). There are no household ordering limits.
Other U.S. Mint Products Containing 50c
The U.S. Mint also produces Kennedy half-dollars in uncirculated and proof qualities. These are offered with other 2013-dated coins in annual sets. The products include:
- the 2013 Proof Set that debuted on March 28 for $31.95,
- the 2013 Silver Proof Set that launched on May 2 for $60.95 and
- the 2013 Mint Uncirculated Coin Set that went on sale June 4 for $27.95.
Coins in the Proof Set and Silver Proof Set are struck at the U.S. Mint facility in San Francisco and have a "S" mint mark. The uncirculated coins in the 2013 Mint Uncirculated Coin Set are produced in Philadelphia and Denver and carry the same mint marks as the coins found in rolls and bags.
Silver Kennedy Halves
Circulating-quality Kennedy halves when introduced in 1964 were produced in 90% silver while those from 1965 to 1970 were struck in 40% silver. Many of these silver half-dollars have little to no numismatic worth and are now sold and purchased simply for their melt value. Even with silver plunging to below $20 an ounce, a single Kennedy half-dollar from 1964 has a calculated melt value of over $7. One from 1965-1970 has a melt value of nearly $3.
Today, 90% silver halves are available in the aforementioned Silver Proof Sets.
