Coins

1964 Honoring President John F. Kennedy

The Kennedy Half Dollar was first issued in 1964, just a few months after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963.
Public demand for a coin honoring Kennedy was overwhelming — the half dollar denomination was chosen to replace the Franklin Half Dollar, introduced only 15 years earlier.

• Obverse (front): Gilroy Roberts — based on his 1961 presidential medal portrait of Kennedy
• Reverse (back): Frank Gasparro — adapted from the Presidential Seal

1964 Silver Issue

• The first year of mintage featured 90% silver and 10% copper composition.
• It was so popular that most coins were quickly hoarded by the public, rarely seen in circulation.
• More than 429 million were struck, one of the highest mintages ever for a U.S. half dollar.

1965–1970 Reduced Silver Content

• The Coinage Act of 1965 reduced the silver content to 40% to lower costs.
• These were produced through 1970, with the 1970-D coin available only in mint sets (not released for circulation).

1971 Transition to Copper-Nickel Clad

• Beginning in 1971, the half dollar’s composition changed to copper-nickel clad, similar to the dime and quarter.
• Silver was reserved for special collector’s issues (proof or silver sets).
• This marked the end of silver in circulating half dollars.

1975–1976 Bicentennial Edition

• In celebration of the U.S. Bicentennial, the 1975–76 half dollar featured a dual date (1776–1976) and a special reverse design by Seth G. Huntington showing Independence Hall.
• Both clad and 40% silver versions were minted for circulation.

1980s–2000s Declining Circulation Use

• By the 1980s, half dollars had largely vanished from daily use, remaining primarily a collector’s item.
• Limited mintages continued for circulation until 2001, after which they were mostly issued for collectors.

2014 50th Anniversary Issues

• To commemorate 50 years of the design, the Mint released special editions:
  • Gold Kennedy Half Dollar (99.99% gold)
  • Silver sets featuring high-relief proof and uncirculated finishes
• These honored the coin’s enduring popularity with collectors.

Today

• The Kennedy Half Dollar remains in limited production, primarily for collectors and special sets.
• It continues as a tribute to one of America’s most beloved presidents — a lasting symbol of national pride and remembrance.