Who Is On The Half Dollar?
Who Is On The Half Dollar?
Discover the presidential history and legacy behind America's 50-cent coin
Who is on the U.S. half dollar?
35th U.S. President (1961-1963)
About President Kennedy
Much like Franklin Roosevelt's placement on the dime following his passing, "JFK" replaced Benjamin Franklin on the 50-cent coin the year after his assassination. In addition to being generally well-liked, Kennedy is remembered for being the youngest president ever elected and for managing the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Table of Contents
Kennedy Half Dollar Design
The Kennedy half dollar features a profile portrait of President John F. Kennedy on the obverse (front), designed by Chief Engraver Gilroy Roberts. The design captures Kennedy's youthful appearance and dignified bearing that made him such an iconic figure in American history.
Design Details
Obverse: Profile of President Kennedy facing left
Designer: Gilroy Roberts
Reverse: Heraldic eagle similar to Great Seal of United States
Reverse Designer: Frank Gasparro
Kennedy Half Dollar Reverse Design
The reverse features a heraldic eagle similar to the Great Seal of the United States, which has remained unchanged since the coin's introduction in 1964. The eagle holds an olive branch and arrows, symbolizing America's desire for peace while maintaining readiness for defense.
History of the Half Dollar
1794-1947
Various designs including Flowing Hair, Draped Bust, Capped Bust, Seated Liberty, Barber, and Walking Liberty half dollars served as America's 50-cent coin.
1948-1963
Benjamin Franklin appeared on the half dollar, honoring one of America's founding fathers. The Franklin half dollar was popular among collectors and the general public.
November 22, 1963
President Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas, shocking the nation and the world.
1964-Present
The Kennedy half dollar was introduced to honor the fallen president, beginning a legacy that continues today.
Historical Significance
Much like FDR, JFK's death was honored with his placement on a coin denomination the following year. This rapid transition from Franklin to Kennedy demonstrated the nation's desire to memorialize their beloved president.
Silver Content and Composition
Kennedy Half Dollar Silver Content
- 1964 only: 90% silver content (0.3617 troy oz of silver)
- 1965-1970: 40% silver content (0.1479 troy oz of silver)
- 1971-present: Copper-nickel clad, no silver content
Only 1964 Kennedy halves contain 90% silver, making them particularly valuable to collectors and investors. From 1965–1970, they were made from 40% silver as the U.S. Mint transitioned away from precious metal coinage due to rising silver prices.
Investment Value
The silver content in 1964 Kennedy half dollars makes them worth significantly more than face value. With current silver prices, these coins are valued well above 50 cents based on their precious metal content alone. This makes them popular among both collectors and those interested in silver investments.
Kennedy vs Franklin Designs
Kennedy Half Dollar (1964-Present)
Obverse: Profile portrait of President Kennedy
Reverse: Heraldic eagle with shield
Designer: Gilroy Roberts (obverse), Frank Gasparro (reverse)
Significance: Memorial to assassinated president
Franklin Half Dollar (1948-1963)
Obverse: Profile portrait of Benjamin Franklin
Reverse: Liberty Bell with small eagle
Designer: John Sinnock
Significance: Honored founding father and polymath
Prior to Kennedy, the half dollar design pictured the "Founding Father" Benjamin Franklin from 1948 to 1963. Franklin's design featured the Liberty Bell on the reverse, symbolizing American independence and freedom.
Half Dollar Fun Facts
Interesting Half Dollar Facts
- Half dollars saw widespread use in casinos during the 1960s and 1970s, even as they fell out of favor for general circulation
- The Kennedy half dollar was designed and produced in record time following the president's assassination
- Kennedy's widow, Jacqueline Kennedy, personally approved the coin design
- The coin was released on March 24, 1964, and was immediately hoarded by the public
- Banks had difficulty keeping Kennedy half dollars in circulation due to public demand
- The Federal Reserve has had to repeatedly increase production to meet collector demand
Circulation Reality
While Kennedy half dollars are still minted today, they're rarely seen in everyday circulation. Most are immediately saved by collectors or sold to coin dealers, making them one of America's most collected modern coins.
Collecting Kennedy Half Dollars
Kennedy half dollars remain one of the most popular collecting series in American numismatics. The combination of historical significance, silver content in early years, and continued production makes them accessible to collectors of all levels.
Collecting Strategies
- Focus on 1964 90% silver specimens for precious metal value
- Look for 1965-1970 40% silver coins for transitional interest
- Seek proof versions for superior quality and finish
- Consider mint state examples for investment potential
- Watch for special mintmark varieties and errors
Understanding the relationship between collectible coins and precious metals markets can enhance collecting strategies. While Kennedy half dollars from 1971-present contain no silver, the earlier silver-containing issues provide exposure to both numismatic and precious metals markets.
Key Dates and Varieties
While most Kennedy half dollars are common, certain dates and mint marks command premiums:
- 1964: All are 90% silver and valuable
- 1970-D: Lower mintage, harder to find
- 1987-P & D: No coins released for circulation
- Proof versions: Premium quality with mirror-like finish
- SMS (Special Mint Set) coins: 1965-1967 special finishes
For collectors interested in diversifying beyond coins, gold investments can complement a numismatic portfolio, providing both historical interest and precious metals exposure.
The Legacy Continues
John F. Kennedy's presence on the half dollar ensures his legacy lives on in American coinage. More than 60 years after his assassination, Kennedy half dollars continue to be minted and collected, serving as both a tribute to a fallen president and a tangible piece of American history.
Presidential Legacy
The Kennedy half dollar stands as one of the most successful memorial coins in American history. Unlike many commemorative issues that fade from public memory, Kennedy's half dollar has maintained its relevance and appeal across multiple generations of collectors and Americans who remember his presidency.
Continuing Relevance
Today's Kennedy half dollars may not contain silver, but they continue to honor one of America's most beloved presidents. Whether collected for their historical significance, silver content, or simply as a way to connect with American history, Kennedy half dollars remain an enduring symbol of both tragedy and hope in the American story.