After years of generally declining production and decreased usage within commerce, the United States Mint stopped producing half dollars for circulation. Accordingly, the 2002 Kennedy Half Dollar saw a big decline in mintage, although the issue remains readily available due to robust collector sales.
The Philadelphia and Denver Mint circulation strike half dollars were included in the 2002 Uncirculated Mint Set, which saw total sales of 1,139,388. Late in the year, the United States Mint announced that quantities of the coins would also be sold in rolls and bags.
The 2002-S Proof Kennedy Half Dollar was once again available in standard copper-nickel clad composition or 90% silver composition. These coins were issued within the annual proof set and silver proof set.
Mintage:
| Philadelphia | Denver | Proof | Silver Proof |
| 3,100,000 | 2,500,000 | 2,319,766 | 892,229 |