The Kennedy Half Dollar has been a significant part of U.S. coinage for 60 years. It all started after the tragic assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963. The American public wanted to honor him with a special coin. Instead of placing his image on the quarter, Kennedy’s widow, Jacqueline Kennedy, suggested the half dollar as the perfect tribute. Let’s take a closer look at how this iconic coin was created and how it became a symbol of American history.
The Decision to Honor Kennedy on the Half Dollar
After the assassination of President Kennedy, there was immediate consideration to place his portrait on a coin. Initially, mint officials thought about using the quarter, but Jacqueline Kennedy requested that her husband’s image be on the half dollar, preserving George Washington’s likeness on the quarter. This decision set the wheels in motion to create the Kennedy Half Dollar.
The Process Behind the Coin’s Design
To bring this tribute to life, the United States Mint appointed Chief Engraver Gilroy Roberts and sculptor Frank Gasparro to create the design. They worked quickly, using images from the John F. Kennedy Presidential Medal as inspiration. After approval from Congress, the new coin was ready for production. On January 2, 1964, proof versions of the Kennedy Half Dollar were produced at the Philadelphia Mint. By the end of January, the coin was officially struck at the Denver Mint, and the first ceremonial coins were released in February.
The Public’s Response to the New Coin
When the Kennedy Half Dollar was released to the public on March 24, 1964, it was a huge success. People lined up to get their hands on the coin, which was seen as both a memento of the fallen president and a symbol of national pride. However, there were some conspiracy theories, with a few suggesting that the design contained communist symbols. These claims were quickly debunked by the coin’s designer, who clarified that the letters on the coin were his initials, “GR,” not a hammer and sickle.
The Coin’s Popularity and Shortage
The Kennedy Half Dollar was so popular that it quickly sold out, and banks couldn’t keep enough in stock. This led to a shortage of half dollars in circulation. As the price of silver rose, many people started hoarding the coins, leading the U.S. government to change the coin’s composition. In 1965, the silver content was reduced to 40%, and by 1971, the coin was made entirely of copper-nickel.
The Disappearance of the Kennedy Half Dollar
By the mid-1970s, Kennedy Half Dollars were rarely seen in circulation. Many people believed the coins were valuable, so they kept them as collectibles. Mintages dropped, and by 2002, half dollars were only produced for collectors. The U.S. Treasury started minting the coins again in 2021, but they are not commonly found in daily transactions.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1964 | First minted with 90% silver. |
| 1965 | Silver content reduced to 40%. |
| 1971 | Transition to copper-nickel clad composition. |
| 1976 | Bicentennial edition released. |
| 2002 | Production stops for circulation, limited to collectors. |
| 2021 | Reintroduced for circulation after nearly 20 years. |
Collecting Kennedy Half Dollars
Since its release, the Kennedy Half Dollar has been one of the most popular U.S. coins to collect. The coin’s unique history, combined with its silver content and changing designs, has made it a valuable piece for numismatists and collectors alike.
Conclusion
The Kennedy Half Dollar has stood the test of time as a symbol of President Kennedy’s legacy. From its creation in 1964 to its enduring popularity among collectors, the coin continues to honor the memory of one of America’s most beloved leaders. While it may no longer be seen in everyday transactions, it remains an iconic piece of U.S. history.
FAQ’s
When was the Kennedy Half Dollar first introduced?
The Kennedy Half Dollar was first introduced in 1964.
What is the current composition of the Kennedy Half Dollar?
The Kennedy Half Dollar is made of 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel.
Is the Kennedy Half Dollar still in circulation?
Yes, the Kennedy Half Dollar was reintroduced into circulation in 2021.