The Kennedy Half Dollar and the Roosevelt Dime are staples of modern U.S. coinage and common starting points for new collectors. They differ in size, metal content, history, and how collectors value them.
This article explains the key differences, what drives value, and practical tips to identify collectible pieces.
Design and composition: Kennedy Half Dollar vs Roosevelt Dime
Both coins honor presidents, but their designs and compositions are distinct. Knowing these basics helps you quickly separate common circulation pieces from potentially valuable coins.
Kennedy Half Dollar — design and metal
The Kennedy Half Dollar debuted in 1964 after President John F. Kennedy’s assassination. The obverse shows Kennedy’s profile and the reverse features the presidential seal.
Metal composition changed over time: 1964 coins are 90% silver, most 1965–1970 issues are 40% silver, and 1971 onward are copper-nickel clad without silver.
Roosevelt Dime — design and metal
The Roosevelt Dime replaced the Mercury dime in 1946 to honor Franklin D. Roosevelt. The obverse shows Roosevelt’s portrait and the reverse shows a torch with oak and olive branches.
Roosevelt dimes minted 1946–1964 are 90% silver. From 1965 to present they are copper-nickel clad, which greatly reduced their intrinsic metal value.
Minting history and key dates
Minting years and mint marks are primary factors collectors use to sort and value coins. For both series, silver-era coins typically attract interest from bullion buyers and collectors.
- Kennedy Half Dollar: Introduced 1964. 90% silver in 1964; 40% silver from 1965–1970; copper-nickel after 1971.
- Roosevelt Dime: Introduced 1946. 90% silver from 1946–1964; copper-nickel from 1965 to present.
- Mint marks (D, S) and proof vs business strike status matter for value.
Value drivers: Kennedy Half Dollar vs Roosevelt Dime
Collectors and investors look for a few consistent signals when assessing value: metal content, rarity, condition, and errors. These apply to both the Half and the Dime.
- Check condition: look for wear, cleaning, and surface marks.
- Calculate metal melt value if silver is present.
- Compare prices via recent sales on auction sites or dealer catalogs.
- Consider certification for higher-value coins to improve buyer confidence.
Final practical advice
If you are starting a collection, focus on clear goals: collecting by date, by metal content, or by error types. Both Kennedy halves and Roosevelt dimes offer accessible entry points.
Keep coins stored properly, learn to grade to a practical level, and use trusted references when pricing. Over time you will recognize which dates and conditions to prioritize when buying or selling.
