The valuation of a 1976 Bicentennial Kennedy half dollar is contingent upon its specific metallic composition and mint of origin. The United States Mint produced two distinct versions of this coin. The standard circulation strikes, minted in Philadelphia (no mint mark) and Denver ("D" mint mark), are composed of a copper-nickel clad alloy and generally only hold their face value of fifty cents unless in pristine uncirculated condition.
The coin pertinent to the query, the 1976 silver half dollar, was struck exclusively for collectors at the San Francisco Mint and is identified by an "S" mint mark. These coins were not intended for general circulation and were sold to the public in special Mint Sets and Proof Sets. Their composition is 40% silver clad, meaning they have an intrinsic bullion value based on their silver content.
The base value of a 1976-S silver half dollar is therefore tied to the fluctuating spot price of silver. In average condition, its worth is typically a few dollars, reflecting this melt value. However, the numismatic or collector value can exceed its bullion worth, depending heavily on the coin's state of preservation. Uncirculated examples in Mint State (MS) condition or those with a mirror-like Proof (PF) finish will command a higher premium. For a precise valuation, the coin would need to be professionally graded, as specimens in the highest grades can be worth significantly more to collectors.
