The Kennedy Half Dollar is one of the most recognizable coins in modern American history. First introduced in 1964, the coin was created to honor President John F. Kennedy following his assassination in November 1963.
More than sixty years later, Kennedy Half Dollars remain popular with collectors because of their historical significance, silver content, and connection to one of the most memorable periods in American history.
The Assassination of President Kennedy
On November 22, 1963, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated while riding in a motorcade in Dallas, Texas.
The event shocked the nation and quickly led to discussions about how the country should honor the late president. One of the proposals was to place Kennedy's portrait on a circulating U.S. coin.
Within weeks of his death, government officials began working on plans for a new coin bearing his likeness.
Why Was the Half Dollar Chosen?
At the time, Benjamin Franklin appeared on the half dollar.
Rather than redesigning a coin that had been in circulation for decades, Congress decided to replace the Franklin Half Dollar with a new Kennedy Half Dollar.
The denomination was chosen because it allowed the United States Mint to honor Kennedy without replacing George Washington on the quarter or Abraham Lincoln on the penny.
As a result, the Franklin Half Dollar was discontinued after 1963, and the Kennedy Half Dollar was introduced in 1964.
Who Designed the Kennedy Half Dollar?
The obverse, or front, of the coin features a portrait of President Kennedy designed by Gilroy Roberts.
The reverse, or back, displays the Presidential Seal and was designed by Frank Gasparro.
Both artists worked for the United States Mint and completed the designs in a remarkably short period of time so the new coin could enter production as quickly as possible.
Why Are Some Kennedy Half Dollars Silver?
The first Kennedy Half Dollars struck in 1964 were composed of 90% silver and 10% copper.
Because of their silver content and the public's desire to save them as keepsakes, many of these coins were removed from circulation almost immediately.
In 1965, the United States reduced the silver content of Kennedy Half Dollars to 40% silver in an effort to conserve the nation's silver supply.
This composition continued through 1970.
Beginning in 1971, Kennedy Half Dollars intended for circulation were produced using a copper-nickel clad composition with no silver content.
Why Are Kennedy Half Dollars Popular With Collectors?
Kennedy Half Dollars appeal to collectors for several reasons:
- Historical connection to President John F. Kennedy
- Silver content in earlier issues
- Long-running production history
- Affordable entry point for new collectors
- Strong connection to modern American history
Many collectors choose to build date sets, collect silver issues, or simply own a coin that commemorates one of America's most remembered presidents.
Are Kennedy Half Dollars Still Made Today?
Yes. The United States Mint continues to produce Kennedy Half Dollars today.
Although they are no longer commonly seen in everyday circulation, they remain available through the Mint and continue to be collected by hobbyists throughout the country.
The Kennedy Half Dollar was created as a tribute to President John F. Kennedy following his assassination in 1963. What began as a national memorial quickly became one of the most recognized coins in American history.
Today, these coins continue to connect collectors with an important moment in the nation's past while remaining a popular addition to many collections.
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