Who is on the Half Dollar?

Who is on the Half Dollar?
Posted on July 05, 2024 by BOLD Precious Metals
A half dollar coin is valued at fifty cents, or half of a dollar. The term "dollar" can also refer to a half-unit of other currencies. Coins or banknotes can be used as half dollars. But who is on the half dollar coin, do you know?

We’re giving you some guessing cues! In addition to being a war hero, he represents wisdom, compassion, humor, peace, toughness, and idealism. Indeed, your guess was correct. He is none other than John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States.

The current half dollar features John F. Kennedy's portrait on the obverse. Kennedy made his debut on a 50-cent coin in 1964, along with the introduction of the Kennedy half dollar. Explore this article to discover additional fascinating details about the Half Dollar and John F. Kennedy.

     Designs on the Half Dollar Throughout History

Designs on the Half Dollar Throughout History

The half dollar has been produced in the United States since 1794. Half a dollar, or fifty cents, is the value of the coin. President John F. Kennedy has been featured on the half-dollar coin since 1964, though it has undergone several modifications since it was first put into circulation. At different timesits history, half dollars were produced as silver coins with 40% silver content and copper-nickel clad coins.

The Flowing Hair half dollar, the Draped Bust half dollar, the Capped Bust half dollar, the Seated Liberty half dollar, and the Walking Liberty half dollar were among the previous half dollar series.

  • Flowing Hair Half Dollars (1794-1795)

  • Draped Bust Half Dollar (1796-1807)

  • Capped Bust Half Dollars (1807-1839)

  • Liberty Seated Half Dollar (1839-1891)

  • Barber Half Dollar (1892-1915)

  • Walking Liberty Half Dollar (1916-1947)

  • Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar (1948-1963)

     The Current Half Dollar: Honoring President John F. Kennedy (1964-Present)

The Current Half Dollar: Honoring President John F. Kennedy (1964-Present)

This coin was introduced following the tragic assassination of President John F. Kennedy, and it is treasured by many Americans. The depth of its design is enhanced by the presence of the Presidential Seal on the obverse, symbolizing the lasting strength and togetherness of the nation. The real gems for investors are the earlier models with a high silver content because they have both tangible and sentimental value.

The half-dollar is worth more to people in the investment industry than its face value. It can combine the domains of numismatics and precious metals investing, making it a valuable asset due to its rich history and symbolic designs.

The Current Half Dollar: Honoring President John F. Kennedy (1964-Present)
  • Design Features

    The 50-cent coin used in the US is called a half dollar. John F. Kennedy, the 35th president of the United States, is depicted on the obverse (heads) of the half dollar.

    The reverse (tails) features a design derived from the Presidential Seal. An eagle is shown holding 13 arrows in its right claw and an olive branch in its left claw. In front of the eagle is a shield.

    The design is surrounded by a 50-star ring. There are many symbols in the design that have multiple meanings. America's national bird is the eagle. The arrows stand for war, and the olive branch for peace. Each of the 50 states has fifty stars.

  • The Bicentennial Commemorative Design (1975-1976)

    The Kennedy Half Dollar has been in circulation since 1964, except for a short break in the 1970s. In commemoration of the Declaration of Independence's 200th anniversary, a temporary reverse featuring Philadelphia's Independence Hall debuted in 1975 and 1976.

Why You Don't See Half Dollars Much Anymore?

When the Kennedy Half Dollar was initially issued in 1964, people immediately treasured it as a keepsake of President John F. Kennedy. The coin, although popular at first, was never used extensively in daily transactions.

Mintages were decreased because of a significant decline in demand by the 1970s. The final Kennedy Half Dollar was struck in 2001, and the U.S. Mint ceased manufacturing the coin for use in commerce in 2002.

The coin was first struck with 90% silver, but between 1965 and 1970, its composition shifted to 40% silver, and in 1971, it switched to copper-nickel. The Kennedy Half Dollar was preserved by Americans because they believed it to be rare and valuable despite these changes.

Mintages had drastically decreased by the late 1970s, and by the 1990s, the Kennedy Half Dollar had largely disappeared from the market.

Despite its continued popularity among collectors and inclusion in Proof and Mint Sets, the coin is unlikely to go back into regular circulation.

     Fun Facts About the Half-Dollar

  • The half dollar's reeded edges prevent people from filing off the edges in an attempt to steal precious metals, and its grooved edges make it more difficult to copy.

  • The half dollar from 1794 to 1947 had an eagle on the reverse (tails) side and a woman representing liberty on the obverse (heads) side.

  • Kennedy halves made from 1965 to 1970 were composed of 40% silver; only those from 1964 were 90% silver.

  • In the 1960s and 1970s, half dollars were widely used in casinos despite their decline in popularity for general circulation.

Conclusion

The Kennedy Half Dollar, first minted in 1964, quickly became a treasured keepsake of President John F. Kennedy. Despite changes in composition from silver to copper nickel, the Kennedy Half Dollar was saved by many who believed it to be valuable. Today, it remains a favorite among collectors, but it's unlikely to return to regular circulation. The Kennedy Half Dollar stands as a symbol of American history and a tribute to a beloved president.

If you want to add these valuable half-dollar coins to your collection, it's not too late. At BOLD, our collection offers both circulated and proof half-dollar coins. Get these coins to cherish JFK's contribution to the nation.


Related Blogs

Connect

Affiliations

Germani mintPress BurgGolden State MintscottsdalemintPerth mint Auscoin-dealers
cybersourcejvclegalngccoinpcgspaypal

Copyright BOLD Precious Metals 2024