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How to Grade Kennedy Half-Dollars

Kennedy half-dollars were first minted in 1964. Although these coins are not yet old enough to have accumulated a significant numismatic premium, the better the condition of the coin, the more likely it is to be worth something and the more it will eventually be worth. Coins are graded by a system that describes the quality of the coin in terms such as "uncirculated," "fine" and "good."

Instructions

- 1
  Examine the date on the front of the coin. If the date cannot be read, the coin is in what is called "basal state," very poor condition. Very few Kennedy half-dollars show this much wear.
- 2
  Look over the coin's surfaces. If they are extremely well worn, to the point where it is difficult to identify some of the images or words on the coin, it is in "fair" condition. The date on these coins may be very well worn.
- 3
  Examine the date again and look for a mint mark (beneath Kennedy's head -- not all coins have one). If these are both easily readable, but the overall coin is very well worn, the coin is in "good" condition.
- 4
  Look over the images on both sides of the coin. If Kennedy's face and the eagle on the back are easily identifiable but lacking any major detail (such as hair lines), the coin is in "fine" condition.
- 5
  Inspect the details of the images on the coin. If most of the details such as hairlines, jaw line and eagle feathers are still defined, but lightly worn, the coin is in "extremely fine" condition.
- 6
  Examine the highest details on the coin, specifically at Kennedy's cheek and jawbone and the tail feathers of the eagle. If only a trace of wear appears at these points, the coin is in "about uncirculated" condition. You can use a magnifying glass to help you find wear on a coin.
- 7
  Search the coin for any noticeable wear. If you can see none, the coin is in "uncirculated" condition. Blemishes that are not the result of wear can appear on these coins, lowering their overall quality within the "uncirculated" grade. Don't mistake natural toning for blemishes. The presence of mint luster is desired, but not required, for this grade.

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