WHAT ARE KENNEDY HALF DOLLARS?

First manufactured in 1964, the Kennedy Half Dollar is a 50-cent coin that is currently issued by the United States Mint. It was created as a tribute to President John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1963. Congress authorized the production of the Kennedy Half Dollar about a month after his death. The mints used designs from the John F Kennedy Presidential series medal as a basis for the half dollar, allowing manufacturing to begin quickly. The Kennedy Half Dollar became available to the public in March 1964. Upon release, collectors hoarded the coins making them scarcely seen in circulation.

HISTORY OF THE KENNEDY HALF DOLLAR

Beginning in 1965 the silver content of the Kennedy Half Dollar was changed from 90% to 40% and then was removed entirely from the coins in 1971. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Kennedy Half Dollar there was a 99.99% gold coin struck in 2014. In 2001 the Kennedy Half Dollar stopped being released for circulation and until 2020 they were only produced for collectors to purchase through the Mint. However, in 2021 they returned to circulation.

However, when the silver coins were released in March of 1964, they were quickly hoarded by collectors and those looking for a memorial to the late president. Despite efforts to increase production, the coin was rarely seen in circulation, as many were melted down for their silver content as the price of silver rose. In 1965, the percentage of silver in the coin was reduced, but it still saw limited circulation. By 1971, silver was eliminated from the coin entirely, and production increased, but circulation remained limited.  Additionally, while circulating half dollars are readily available from banks, their use is scarce.

WHAT DOES A KENNEDY HALF DOLLAR COST?

The cost of a Kennedy half-dollar coin can vary based on several factors, including the year of issue, the coin's condition, rarity, and demand. More recent Kennedy half dollars, minted after 1964, contain no silver and are made mostly of copper-nickel alloy. The value of these coins is generally lower than their silver counterparts and primarily depends on their condition and demand.

Certified Kennedy Half Dollars, graded by trusted companies such as NGC and PCGS, will have a higher value. These certified coins are given an official grade based on their condition and traits adding appeal and raising the price.

The price of a Kennedy Half dollar may range from tens of dollars to hundreds of dollars with some even reaching thousands of dollars. For example, a Brilliant Uncirculated 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar can be bought for about 20 dollars, while the same coin graded by NGC as Mint State 69+ would go for thousands of dollars.

WHY INVEST IN A KENNEDY HALF DOLLAR?

The Kennedy Half Dollar is a sought-after coin for both collectors and investors and has been a staple of the United States coinage system for over half a century. Its timeless design, combined with its historical significance, make it an enduring symbol of American heritage and a valuable addition to any coin collection.

RARE KENNEDY HALF DOLLARS

Proof Kennedy Half Dollar coins have been produced each year with the same composition as regular coins except from 1965 until 1967. They were produced in early January 1964 and had heavily accented hair, with an estimated 100,000 coins struck with this feature. However, due to a coin shortage, no proof sets were struck in 1965 and instead, special mint sets were produced to cater to the collector demand. In 1968, regular proof coinage was resumed by the San Francisco branch of the United States Mint, so the "S" mint mark was added.

Congress authorized the production of silver-clad collector versions of the Bicentennial coins in 1973 and in April 1975, the United States Mint began striking them. Additionally, a special "matte finish" Kennedy Half Dollar was minted in 1998 as part of a two-coin Kennedy Collectors Set with a low mintage of around 62,000 coins worldwide.

In 2019, an Enhanced Reverse Proof Kennedy Half dollar was included in a special set to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission and had a limited mintage of 100,000 coins.

WHAT IS THE DESIGN OF THE KENNEDY HALF DOLLAR?

The obverse was designed by mint sculptor Gilroy Roberts. It features the right-facing profile of John F Kennedy. Inscriptions include “IN GOD WE TRUST”, “LIBERTY”, and the year of mintage.

The reverse is a modified depiction of the presidential seal as designed by Frank Gasparra. Inscriptions include “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “HALF DOLLAR”. This design can be found on coins issued in all years except for 1975 and 1976.

For the United States Bicentennial in 1976, a special reverse design was created by Seth G Huntington and special collector coins were struck in silver clad. In 2014, a special 50th-anniversary edition of the Kennedy Half Dollar was struck in 99.99% gold.

90% Silver - 1964

Image source: https://www.usacoinbook.com

40% Silver - 1965 to 1970

Image source: https://www.usacoinbook.com 

Clad Composition - 1971 to present day

Image source: https://www.usacoinbook.com

1976 Bicentennial Design

Image source: https://www.usacoinbook.com

Kennedy Half Dollars are an affordable and fun collector’s item. History buffs will love these coins! As always, we advise you to seek out the help of a numismatic professional when determining the value of your coin.