$10 Face Value Kennedy Half Dollars 40% Silver 20-Coin Roll (Avg Circ)

$10 Face Value Kennedy Half Dollars 40% Silver 20-Coin Roll (Avg Circ)

Gilroy Roberts, chief engraver of the Mint from 1948 to 1964, designed the obverse of this coin. His stylized initials are on the truncation of the forceful bust of President John F. Kennedy. The reverse, which uses the presidential coat of arms for the motif, is the work of Frank Gasparro, who was appointed chief engraver in February 1965.

The Kennedy half dollar, first minted in 1964, is a fifty-cent coin currently issued by the United States Mint. Intended as a memorial to the assassinated President John F. Kennedy, it was authorized by Congress just over a month after his death. Use of existing works by Mint sculptors Gilroy Roberts and Frank Gasparro allowed dies to be prepared quickly, and striking of the new coins began in January 1964.

The obverse design depicts the head of Kennedy facing left, with LIBERTY above and to the sides, and the date below. IN GOD WE TRUST is in a straight line above the date. The reverse is an adaptation of the Great Seal of the United States and is reminiscent of the Heraldic Eagle style used on gold and silver coinage of the early 19th century.

The silver coins vanished from circulation upon their release in March 1964 due to collectors, hoarders, and those interested in a memento of the late president. Although the Mint greatly increased production, the denomination was seldom seen in circulation. Continued rises in the price of silver increased the hoarding—many early Kennedy half dollars have been melted for their silver. Starting with 1965-dated pieces, the percentage of fine silver was reduced from 90% to 40% (silver clad), but even with this change the coin saw little circulation.

The roll contains twenty 40% silver U.S. 1964 Kennedy Half Dollars for a total of $10 face value, totaling approximately 2.95 troy oz of fine silver. The years of the coins will vary from 1965-1969.

Stock photo is for reference only.