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John F. Kennedy Half Dollar

A Legacy in Silver

Following the tragic assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963, Congress and the U.S. Mint swiftly created the John F. Kennedy half dollar as a lasting tribute. This act bypassed the typical 25-year design revision cycle, highlighting the urgency to honor the fallen leader.

A Design Steeped in Symbolism

The obverse features a poignant bust of President Kennedy, encircled by "LIBERTY" and "IN GOD WE TRUST." The issue date graces the bottom, except for the 1975 and 1976 bicentennial issues, which commemorated American independence with "1776-1976."

The reverse depicts the Presidential Coat of Arms, a symbol of authority and leadership. During the bicentennial years, Independence Hall in Philadelphia replaced the Coat of Arms, accompanied by inscriptions marking the occasion.

A Coin's Evolution in Metal

Kennedy half dollars hold a unique place in U.S. coinage history. The initial minting consisted of 90% silver, marking the last such coin circulated by the country. From 1965 to 1970, they transitioned to a silver-clad composition, with the bicentennial issues following suit. Later Kennedy half dollars contain no silver.

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Details

Silver Content – 0.36169 oz.
Gross Weight – 12.50 g
Composition – 90% silver, 10% copper
Coin Diameter – 30.6 mm
Mint Dates – 1964

Mint Marks: A Guide to Identification

The location of the mint mark provides a clue to the coin's year of issue. Until 1968, the mark resided above the "L" in "HALF" on the reverse. Subsequently, it shifted to a position below Kennedy's bust on the obverse, beneath the "W" in "IN GOD WE TRUST."

The John F. Kennedy half dollar serves as a powerful testament to a beloved leader and a fascinating chapter in American numismatics.