2016 Half Dollar Coin Value (Errors List, “P”, “S” & “D” Mint Mark Worth)

The Kennedy Half Dollar stands as the longest-serving half dollar design in United States history, continuing production from 1964 to the present day.

Since its debut following President Kennedy’s assassination, an estimated 4.1 billion Kennedy half dollars have been struck by the U.S. Mint. Beginning in 2002, production shifted from circulation to collector-focused mintages sold at premiums above face value.

The 2016 varieties represent this modern collector-only era, offering multiple composition options from standard clad to 90% silver proofs. This remarkable longevity makes the Kennedy series a cornerstone of American numismatics, with 2016 examples continuing the legacy.

 

2016 Half Dollar Value By Variety

This chart shows the value ranges for different types of 2016 half dollar coins across various condition grades, from regular strikes to proof specimens.

Tip: Use our CoinValueChecker App for real-time variety identification and current market values.

 

History Of The 2016 Half Dollar

The U.S. Mint continued producing half dollars in 2016, maintaining a tradition that spans decades. These coins carry the iconic Kennedy design that Americans recognize instantly.

John F. Kennedy’s portrait graces the obverse side of every 2016 half dollar. Gilroy Roberts created this design in 1964, shortly after the president’s assassination. The reverse features the presidential seal, which Frank Gasparro designed for the original Kennedy half dollar series.

The 2016 half dollars come in different varieties. The Philadelphia Mint and Denver Mint produced standard regular coins. Both facilities struck these coins for general release, though banks rarely distribute them to the public.

Collectors particularly value the special editions from 2016. The San Francisco Mint produced silver proof versions that contain 90% silver content. These premium coins showcase superior craftsmanship and mirror-like finishes. The Mint also released clad proof versions for budget-conscious collectors.

Production numbers remained relatively low compared to other denominations. Most Americans rarely encounter half dollars in everyday transactions. Vending machines and retail establishments seldom accept them, limiting their practical circulation.

Despite limited use, the 2016 Kennedy half dollar preserves an important piece of American numismatic heritage. Collectors and history enthusiasts continue seeking these coins for their collections.

Also Read: 10 Most Historic Years of Kennedy Half Dollar (1964-2025).

 

Is Your 2016 Half Dollar Rare?

All four 2016 half dollar varieties receive the same “Common” classification despite their different origins. The Philadelphia and Denver Mint coins rank closely together at positions 111 and 117 respectively. This proximity reflects their similar production numbers and availability.

The San Francisco Mint produced two distinct varieties that year. Both the silver DCAM and standard DCAM versions carry the same rarity designation. There’s little difference in their rankings, with the silver version at 174 and the standard at 192.

The ranking system considers multiple elements beyond pure scarcity. Collector interest, historical significance, and market demand all influence where coins place in the hierarchy. These 2016 varieties demonstrate how similar coins can occupy different positions based on subtle distinctions.

For precise rarity assessments of your coins, the CoinValueChecker App provides instant access to current rankings and market data across all Kennedy half dollar varieties.

Collectors seeking more comprehensive rarity information can explore detailed rankings through specialized tools. The Kennedy Half Dollar Rarity Ranking (Top 100) reveals the most sought-after pieces in this series.

 

Key Features Of The 2016 Half Dollar

The 2016 Kennedy half dollar maintains the classic design elements that collectors recognize instantly. Each coin showcases detailed craftsmanship across both sides, with specific features that define its identity.

Understanding these characteristics helps collectors identify authentic pieces and appreciate their historical significance. The following sections examine the obverse design, reverse elements, and technical specifications that make these coins distinctive.

The Obverse Of The 2016 Half Dollar

President Kennedy’s left-facing profile dominates the coin’s front side. His detailed portrait occupies the center, showing precise facial features and hair texture. The inscription “LIBERTY” curves along the upper rim, while “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears in smaller letters below Kennedy’s neckline.

The date “2016” sits prominently at the bottom center. A small mintmark appears near the base of Kennedy’s neck, indicating the production facility. The designer’s initials “GR” for Gilroy Roberts rest along the truncation line.

The Reverse Of The 2016 Half Dollar

The presidential seal commands the reverse side’s central position. A heraldic eagle spreads its wings wide, clutching arrows in its left talon and an olive branch in its right. Thirteen stars form a semicircle above the eagle’s head, representing the original colonies.

The inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” curves along the top rim. “HALF DOLLAR” appears at the bottom in bold letters. A ribbon banner flows beneath the eagle, though the motto remains subtle in the design.

The designer Frank Gasparro’s initials “FG” appear near the eagle’s tail feathers. Shield details on the eagle’s chest display alternating stripes and a blue field.

Other Features Of The 2016 Half Dollar

The 2016 half dollar measures 30.61 millimeters in diameter with a thickness of 2.15 millimeters. Regular coins weigh 11.30 grams and contain a copper-nickel clad composition. The outer layers consist of 75% copper and 25% nickel, while the inner core uses pure copper.

Silver proof versions contain 90% silver and 10% copper, weighing slightly more at 12.50 grams. All varieties feature a reeded edge with 150 individual ridges.

 

2016 Half Dollar Mintage & Survival Data

The chart shows Philadelphia led with 3.53 million coins, while Denver produced 2.86 million pieces. These regular coins dominated total output by a massive margin.

The San Francisco Proof coins had a much smaller mintage. The facility created only 621,000 standard DCAM proofs and 419,000 silver versions. This represents less than one-seventh of regular production combined.

This gap exists by design. Regular coins must meet potential public demand, even though half dollars rarely appear in daily transactions. Proof coins target collectors exclusively, requiring lower numbers to maintain their premium appeal.

Survival information remains unknown for all varieties. This missing piece matters greatly for collectors and investors. Knowing how many coins survive today versus original production helps determine true rarity.

For collectors seeking coins with documented survival data and proven scarcity, the Kennedy Half Dollar Survival Ranking (Top 100) highlights the series’ most elusive treasures.

 

2016 Half Dollar Grading

Professional coin grading follows the Sheldon Scale, which ranges from 1 to 70 points. This system evaluates multiple factors including surface preservation, strike quality, and overall eye appeal. Graders examine each coin under controlled lighting conditions using magnification tools.

The grading process begins with determining the coin’s basic condition category. Circulated coins typically grade between 1 and 58, while uncirculated pieces range from 60 to 70. Key grading points focus on high-relief areas like Kennedy’s cheekbone and hair details on the obverse, plus the eagle’s breast feathers on the reverse.

Professional services employ teams of expert graders who independently evaluate each submission. They consider factors such as contact marks, luster quality, and any signs of cleaning or damage. Minor differences in these elements can significantly impact the final grade and market value.

For accurate grade assessment of your coins, the CoinValueChecker APP provides instant grading analysis using professional standards.

This knowledge applies across all coin series, which leads us to explore How to Grade Kennedy Half Dollar using these same fundamental principles and methodologies.

 

2016 Half Dollar Value Guides

The 2016 Kennedy half dollar collection includes four distinct varieties, each serving different purposes in the numismatic market.

• 2016-P Half Dollar
• 2016-D Half Dollar  
• 2016-S Silver DCAM Half Dollar
• 2016-S DCAM Half Dollar

Philadelphia and Denver facilities produced regular strikes for general commerce, though these coins rarely enter everyday transactions.

San Francisco specialized in premium collector editions featuring the Deep Cameo finish that creates stunning contrast between frosted devices and mirror-like fields. The silver DCAM version contains 90% silver content, making it particularly attractive to precious metal investors. Standard DCAM proofs offer collectors the same visual appeal at a lower price point.

 

2016-P Half Dollar Value

The 2016-P Kennedy half dollar never entered circulation. The United States Mint produced only 3.53 million of these coins, which were sold through the Mint’s direct sales channel. This approach differs dramatically from earlier Kennedy half dollars that circulated widely through banks and retail outlets.

Most examples maintain exceptional quality because they avoided wear and handling from daily commerce. Collectors can easily find specimens grading up to MS67 condition. Common grade coins trade near face value, but premium specimens still command a certain premium.

Auction records show a February 3, 2019 sale where an MS68 specimen sold for $400. This price proves reasonable for a modern half dollar and leaves room for future appreciation.