United States 1981-S half dollar

The United States half dollar has a proud history going back to 1794 but has not circulated in any numbers since the early 1970's. San Francisco has been responsible for the production of the proofs since 1968. For 1981, "Clear S" and "Flat S" mintmark varieties exist. Starting in 1992, 90% silver proofs were marketed in addition to the clad proof shown here. None have been struck for circulation since 2001. John F. Kennedy has graced the obverse since 1964, altho the coin is no longer silver.

Recorded mintage: 4,063,083 proofs.

Specification: 11.34 g, copper-nickel with a copper core, 30.61 mm diameter.

Catalog reference: KM A202b.

Source:

• Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
• Yeoman, R. S., and Kenneth Bressett (ed.), A Guide Book of United States Coins, 65th Ed., Atlanta, GA: Whitman Publishing, 2011.

Links to:

• 1776-1976-S half dollar, bicentennial reverse, clad and 40% silver
• 1981-D dime
• 1982-D half dollar, 250th anniversary of the birth of George Washington
• 1986-S dollar, Ellis Island
• 2005-S half dollar
• Coins and currency dated 1981
• return to United States Kennedy Half Dollars (1964-Date)