The half dollar is the 50-cent coin of the United States. The person depicted on the obverse (heads) of the fifty-cent piece of paper currency is our 35th president, John F. Kennedy. In 1964, he was shown on the half-dollar bill.
The reverse design (tails) is derived from the Presidential Seal. It depicts an eagle with thirteen missiles in its right talon and an olive branch in its left. A shield accompanies an eagle. Fifty stars form a rim encircling the design. The design is replete with symbols with alternative meanings. Eagles serve as our national emblem. The arrows signify war, while the olive branch represents peace. Each of the fifty states is endowed with fifty stars.
What Do You Know About Half Dollar?
The United States Mint has produced a wide variety of half-dollars throughout its existence, from silver proof half dollars struck in honor of former president John F. Kennedy with limited mintages to silver walking liberties that sustained the United States from the Roaring Twenties until the conclusion of World War II.
An ongoing series of commemorative half-dollars from the United States Mint is also included in the assortment. Despite their current infrequency, half-dollar coins have a significant historical background of frequent usage in conjunction with other denominations of United States currency. However, they have become uncommon in general circulation due to various factors. Significant half-dollars were manufactured until 2002, at which point the U.S.
History Of Half Dollar
The Kennedy Half Dollar is a top-rated collectible coin that provides coin enthusiasts with numismatic and sentimental value for many Americans. What makes this coin valuable to find? Which are the most valuable among them? The answers to those queries will be provided in this section.
John F. Kennedy became the youngest man ever to hold the presidency of the United States when he was elected in 1960; many viewed him as a symbol of optimism for the nation’s future. The postwar period had concluded, the economy flourished, and prospects appeared promising.
The assassination of John F. Kennedy in Dallas, Texas, on November 22, 1963, evoked profound astonishment and sorrow throughout the nation. It was a turning point in the history of our country. Generations upon generations of individuals can still recall precisely where they were when the news broke that Kennedy had been slain. The catastrophe elicited a profound expression of sorrow. A physical representation of that sorrow was the Kennedy half-dollar.
A month after his death, Congress authorized the production of the Kennedy half dollar; this coin was first struck by the United States Mint in 1964 and disseminated in March. Kennedy’s profile was already depicted on a medal as part of the Mint’s Presidential series, which spared the Mint the trouble of designing one from the ground up. Jacqueline Kennedy approved this image to be used on the coin. Her sole request was for a minor alteration to the braids.
Upon the Mint’s issuance of the coin, the public promptly seized it. The day they went on sale, there were lengthy lines at the Treasury Department, and they sold out. A limited number of the initial coins issued entered circulation due to the tremendous demand for them, driven by coin collectors and the general public seeking a memento of their esteemed president.
Over time, the Mint increased production. It produced 160 million half-dollars in 1964 alone and continued until 1965, when the total number reached 430 million. Despite this, the coin remained extremely popular and scarce.
Silver Content Of The Kennedy Half-Dollar
The silver content was an additional factor contributing to the Kennedy dollar’s prolonged scarcity. Half dollars comprised 90% silver and 10% copper in 1964. They are valuable because of the silver content, not their numismatic worth. Although 1964 Kennedy half dollars are not exceedingly rare, their historical significance renders them useful and highly collectible.
The Mint decreased the silver content of the half dollar in 1965. The cost of silver had increased. From 1965 to 1970, forty percent silver and sixty percent copper were used to create half dollars. The outermost layer of this coin is plated in an 80 percent silver mixture; therefore, while it retains its appearance, it is not intrinsically valuable.
These coins continued to be scarce and popular. In general, half-dollars from this era are worth between $2 and $10, contingent on their condition. Indeed, there are exceptional Kennedy half dollars that are considerably more valuable.
Design Of A Half Dollar
Presently, the “Kennedy” motif adorns the 50-cent coin of the United States. This design was first issued by the United States Mint in 1964, one year following President John F. Kennedy’s assassination. Kennedy is depicted on the obverse (heads), inspired by the portrait crafted for his presidential medal. The reverse side of the document bears the Presidential Seal.
The Mint struck the first silver half-dollar in 1794. From 1794 to 1947, the designs featured an eagle on the reverse and a woman representing Liberty on the obverse. The final year Liberty appeared on a coin in circulation in the United States was 1947.
The Mint manufactured the “Walking Liberty” half-dollar, which Adolph A. Weinman conceived between 1916 and 1947. Additionally, Weinman created the renowned Mercury dime.
The obverse depicts Liberty walking while clutching laurel and oak branches in her left hand and extending her right arm. She is encircled by the creases of the United States flag as the sun rises in the distance. An eagle with its wings unfolded on the reverse is perched on a boulder. A branch of pine emerges from the boulder.
Liberty was substituted with an image of Benjamin Franklin on the obverse of the half dollar in 1948. Reverse artwork featured the Liberty Bell situated in Philadelphia.
The Kennedy Half Dollar, except for a limited period in the 1970s, has been circulating since 1964. 1975 and 1976 saw the appearance of a provisional reverse depicting Independence Hall in Philadelphia in observance of the bicentennial of the Declaration of Independence.
The Mint eliminated silver from the half dollar in 1971, replacing it with a copper-nickel clad.
Since 2002, the primary purpose of half-dollar minted has been to supply annual coin collections and other numismatic products. However, they may still be ordered into circulation by the Federal Reserve.
What Are The Facts About A Half Dollar?
Following his assassination in Dallas, Texas, President John F. Kennedy was commemorated in numerous ways, including through currency. An expert in the National Numismatic Collection of the museum, Robyn Einhorn, examines the Kennedy half dollar.
- Kennedy’s commemorative coin was conceptualized on the day of his assassination. Chief Engraver Gilroy Roberts and Director of the Mint Eva Adams discussed the possibility of depicting Kennedy on a coin within hours of the assassination. Jacqueline Kennedy, the first lady, chose the half dollar as the coin’s denomination.
- In honor of the president, Congress authorized the Kennedy half dollar approximately one month after his death; the bill authorizing the coin was enacted on December 30, 1963.
- The coin was struck in 1964 during a ceremonial first strike that co-occurred at the Philadelphia and Denver Mints on February 11, 1964. Roberts stated, in his recollection of the coin’s production, “…the newly issued U.S. Half Dollar, which features the portrait of the late President and is endorsed by a nation in mourning, serves as an appropriate and enduring tribute to our former President, John F. Kennedy.”
- To expedite the production process, the U.S. Mint instructed Assistant Engraver Frank Gasparro and Chief Engraver Gilroy Roberts to modify the designs they had initially developed for the Kennedy inaugural medal.
- Gasparro was tasked with the reverse, while Roberts oversaw the obverse. Throughout his lengthy career at the U.S. Mint, Gasparro crafted several renowned coins, such as the Susan B. Anthony dollar and the obverse of the Lincoln Memorial cent.
- Early on, the coins were hoarded, as numerous individuals desired mementos of the renowned former president. Upon their initial public offering on March 24, 1964, the Treasury Department in Washington, D.C., depleted its stock of 70,000 coins by the day’s end. Similarly, despite implementing rationing measures, banks in Philadelphia and Boston ran out of the coins by noon.
- The 1964 coins were composed primarily of silver with a trace quantity of copper, whereas the 1965-1970 editions featured a copper core encased in silver. Since 1971, the coins have been manufactured using a copper and nickel alloy, with the Mint’s proof sets containing the sole pure silver coins. The Mint and additional sources continue offering the coins to meet the continuing demand from collectors.
Why Do Coin Collectors Collect Half Dollar?
Compared to all other U.S. coins that have circulated throughout history, the 50-cent piece is gaining in popularity rapidly for the following three reasons:
- Various Designs: Compared to silver dollars, U.S. half dollars feature sixteen distinct designs or variations that can be acquired through collection.
- They can be affordable: If you have a limited budget for your silver collection, silver half dollars can be an exceptionally inexpensive investment. At times, even more so than Morgan silver dollars. Half Dollars are offered in an assortment of price tiers.
- Can they be more accessible, too? Re Easier to Find: Even though they are no longer being actively circulated, certain ones remain readily accessible at your local bank.
How To Start Collecting U.S. Half Dollars?
The Kennedy Silver Half Dollar is the most recognizable to the average American, rendering collectors who favor classics more inclined towards alternatives such as the Walking Liberty or Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar silver coins.
When contemplating collecting U.S. Half Dollars, particularly for novices, it is advisable to commence with the Kennedy Half Dollar. This is because these coins are readily accessible at the majority of banks. You can then proceed with variousizing your collection.
It would help if you considered accumulating silver half dollars in addition to your other coin collections for the following five reasons:
1. Silver Half Dollars Offer Many Designs
Silver half dollars are available in a variety of affordable designs, as opposed to silver dollars, which are limited to two designs (the Morgan silver dollar and the Peace silver dollar) that are widely accessible.
- Barber half dollar
- Walking Liberty half-dollar
- Franklin half dollar
- Kennedy half a dollar (90% silver in 1964)
You may also consider Bust half dollars and Seated Liberty half dollars reasonably priced, contingent upon your specific financial constraints. But the prices of those two designs are determined exclusively by their numismatic value.
Conversely, the values of numerous Barber halves, Walking Liberty halves, Franklin halves, and Kennedy halves are frequently affected by prevailing silver prices, particularly in lower grades.
2. Silver Half Dollars Are Cheaper Than Silver Dollars
If you are on a limited budget but still want to obtain silver, fifty cents is a suitable compromise between cost and desirability.
Simply put, when purchasing common silver coins that are well-used and worn (also known as worthless silver), a half-dollar costs approximately half as much as a dollar. Individuals inclined to acquire silver but with a limited investment budget of $10 to $20 per week should pay special attention to this fact.
More than $20 may be required to purchase a silver dollar. However, from the refuse box of a coin dealer, it could buy two silver half dollars, a silver quarter, or two silver dimes.
3. Silver Half Dollars Can Be Found In Bank Rolls
Although half dollars are no longer widely circulated, they remain relatively accessible at local banks. Silver half dollars are also relatively simple to locate with sufficient effort.
Furthermore, apart from the opportunity to acquire half dollars at face value rather than the markups typically associated with purchases, there is always the excitement of the hunt. Sifting through rolls of half dollars can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience.
4. Silver Half Dollars Provide Sleeper Opportunities
Is it true that everyone adores silver dollars? Thus, silver dollar-focused investors and collectors disregarded a significant number of half dollars due to their preoccupation with larger silver coins.
Particularly among the Franklin half-dollars and Walking Liberty half-dollar series, numerous deals are available. Over the years, millions of these coins have been dissolved for their silver content and many dates. Particularly those of higher grades. They are considerably rarer than their apparent mintages indicate.
Remember that even low-grade, common-date items may increase in value. Demand and prices could increase universally if more individuals began collecting Walking Liberty half dollars or Franklin half dollars by date and mintmark (a technique also prevalent with Lincoln cents).
5. Half Dollars Are Small & Versatile
In contrast to their larger counterparts, half dollars are considerably more diminutive in size and weight. The storage capacity of the half dollar is marginally more significant than silver dollars, allowing it to be moved to a safe deposit box or another modest location.
Furthermore, there is the liquidity of half dollars, which is considerably more convenient to spend than significant silver dollars, which are practically unimaginable to spend in an emergency (it’s safe to say that very few cash register employees today even recognize old silver dollars!).
What Is A Half Dollar Worth?
Most Kennedy half-dollar coins are worth only fifty cents at face value and are not exceedingly rare. However, the value of certain coins varies according to their condition and the year in which they were struck. An uncirculated Kennedy half-dollar coin minted in 1970 is estimated to be worth approximately $8.
The 10 Most Priceless Kennedy Half-Dollars
These figures are predicated on coins that are in MS60 condition or higher.
- 2014 P Silver Proof: $25 – $30
- 1999 S Silver Proof: $25 – $30
- 1996 S Silver Proof: $30 – $35
- 1993 S Silver Proof: $35 – $40
- 1994 S Silver Proof: $35 – $40
- 1995 S Silver Proof: $40 – $45
- 2018 S Silver Reverse Proof: $40 – $45
- 2014 W Silver Reverse Proof: $60 – $70
- 2019 S Enhanced Reverse Proof: $100 – $120
- 1998 S Silver Frosted Matte Finish Proof: $100 – $140
The evolving history and culture of the United States are reflected in the half-dollar. Although it might not be frequently encountered in everyday transactions, this coin is of considerable interest to collectors and historians due to its extensive history and varied designs. The half dollar, an item of American currency, provides a distinctive opportunity to gain insight into the nation’s history by honoring significant individuals and events that have influenced the country.
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