Kennedy Half Dollar Coins
Ranked #839 in Hobbies, Games & Toys, #9,308 overall
Kennedy Half Dollars-Tribute to a Fallen Leader
John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, was assassinated in Dallas, Texas November 22, 1963. The entire nation went into a period of mourning. All across the country people decided that they wanted to commemorate the slain leader. Roads, schools, and even one of New York City's airports were renamed after John F Kennedy.
A White House Press Release from Press Secretary Pierre Salinger and dated December 10, 1963, conveyed a statement from President Lyndon Johnson to the Congress of the United States proposing the "coinage of 50-cent pieces with the likeness of the late John Fitzgerald Kennedy." Public Law 88-256, authorizing the coin, was passed December 30, 1963. Just two months after the assassination of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy the U.S. Mint struck the first Kennedy Half Dollars;.
The coin was extremely popular with the American public from the outset due to the popularity of the young president, and collecting Kennedy Half Dollar coins has become one of the more popular niches among casual coin collectors and serious numismatists.
Kennedy Half Dollars
The U.S. Mint's Tribute to JFK
Kennedy Half Dollars were first minted in 1964, the year following President John Fitzgerald Kennedy's assassination. The coin's engraver was Gilroy Roberts, whose initials can be found at the base of Kennedy's neck on the obverse (heads) side of the coin. The reverse (tails) side of the coin features a design based on the Presidential Seal of the United States. The reverse was designed by Frank Gasparro. (The Bicentennial coin's reverse was designed by Seth G. Huntington, but we'll discuss that momentarily.)
The Kennedy Half Dollar has been struck at the Philadelphia mint (which bears no mint mark) the San Francisco Mint (marked "S") and the Denver mint (marked "D"). When the Kennedy Half Dollar was first produced the mint mark was found on the reverse face of the coin, immediately under the eagle's right foot. In 1968 the mint mark was moved to the obverse side of the coin directly above the date.
An Interesting Fact.
Congress authorized the Kennedy Half Dollar with a vote of 352 - 6. At least some dissenting votes were cast because there was a move afoot to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Gettysburg Address on the half dollar coin.
A Closer Look at the Coin Itself
The Kennedy Half Dollar
What are the images that appear on the coin?
Obverse:
A Bust of John F. Kennedy, 35th President of the United States and the Date the coin was minted along with the Motto In God We Trust and the word LIBERTY.
Reverse:
An Eagle holding an olive branch (symbolizing peace) and arrows (symbolizing strength). The thirteen stripes represent the 13 original states. The horizontal bar across the top represents Congress forming one government from many. The eagle is encircled by fifty stars, which represent the fifty states in the union. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the words HALF DOLLAR are also found on the reverse of the coin.
Where is the Mint Mark on the Kennedy Half Dollar?
1964: Coins minted in Philadelphia do not have a mint mark, only coins minted in Denver have them. The Denver "D" can be found on the reverse side near the eagle's tail.
1965-1967: Kennedy Half Dollars struck these years do not have mint marks, regardless of where they were minted.
1968-present: Between the date and the bottom of Kennedy's neck. Philadelphia coins prior to 1980 do not have a mint mark, after that the mint mark for the Philadelphia Mint is a "P."
The Designers' Initials
The obverse (front or heads) of the Kennedy Half Dollar was designed by Gilroy Roberts. You can find this highly stylized initial at the base of Kennedy's neck.
The reverse (back or tails) of the Kennedy Half Dollar was designed by Frank Gasparro. You can find his initials between the Eagle's left leg and tail.
The reverse (back or tails) of the Bicentennial Half Dollar was designed by Seth G Huntington. You can find his initials to the right of Liberty Hall below the motto E Pluribus Unum.
Why Don't All Kennedy Half Dollars Look Alike?
The most obvious change in the design of the Kennedy Half Dollar occurred during the celebration of the Bicentennial of the United States. The obverse side of the coin features Kennedy, but the date of the coin features the inscription 1776-1976. The reverse side of the coin, which was designed by Seth G. Huntington, features Independence Hall. These coins were struck in 1975 and 1976.
That's NOT What I'm Talking About...Look at the Edge! It's Striped!
A Copper Stripe Down the Edge of the Kennedy Half Dollar
Oh...You're Talking About The Copper!"
When the coin was first struck, in 1964, the coin was 90% silver (0.36169 troy oz.). To save money, in 1965 the government changed the composition of the coin was changed to 40% silver (0.14792 Troy oz.), 60% copper.
In 1971 the US Mint introduced what you called the "stripe." The composition of the coin was changed once again. The silver was removed entirely. The outside faces of the coin were made of nickel. The inside of the coin is made of copper. That copper, "clad" in nickel, is what you see as a stripe!
The lines on the edge of the Kennedy Half Dollar are called "Reeds."
How Many Reeds
Are There?
150!
Coin Collecting: Kennedy Half Dollars on eBay
eBay Can Be a Great Place to Buy Kennedy Half Dollars
That's a Long, Long Way!
In 1964, 429,509,450 Kennedy Halves were minted. At 1.205 inches in diameter...if they were placed side by side in a straight line, they would have circled the earth with 100 miles to spare!
Fun Stuff: Presidents, Names, and Coins
How Many Presidents' Last Names Can You Find on the Kennedy Half?
Using all of the letters on the Kennedy Half Dollar (only as many times as the letter is found on the coin), how many US Presidents' last names can you spell? All of the letters are available for each of the names, but only as many times as the letter appears on the coin. The answer appears a little further down the page!
What is my Kennedy Half Worth?
I can't tell you that, but I can get you going in the right direction in finding out.
The first is how rare the coin is. This is a combination of how many coins were originally minted, and what happened to them. Some are destroyed accidentally. Some have been recalled by the government. Collectors have taken some out of circulation. As a particular type of coin has fewer examples available, it becomes more valuable. The other factor is the physical condition of a coin. The closer a specimen is to perfect is, the more valuable it becomes. So a rare, perfect coin is much more valuable than a common, worn coin.The American Numismatic has developed a grading system to describe the condition of a coin. What I will discuss here is coins that have been minted to go into general circulation, released. The conditions of the coins are represented by names, as well as a combination of letters and numbers. I have summarized some general conditions here, with some specifics being given for the Kennedy Half Dollar. Descriptions of worn areas obviously carry down from each higher grade to the ones below it. Since the Kennedy Half is such a recent coin, a great deal of futher guidance is not given, but it is assumed that the grader will judge a coin according to a sliding scale in areas where specifics are lacking. No guidance is given for the reverse of the Bicentennial Quarter, so it is to be assumed that a grader will use the criteria for the obverse and judge the reverse similarly to the way a regular Kennedy Half would be judged.
Perfect Uncirculated (MS-70) This indicates a coin in perfect, new condition. It shows no trace of handling, wear, or contact with other coins.
Gem Uncirculated (MS-65) This is an above average uncirculated coin. It may be brilliant, or it may be lightly toned. There are very few contact marks either on either surface of the coin or on the rim.
Choice Uncirculated (MS-63) This coin has some distracting contact marks and/or blemishes in the prime focal areas of one or both surfaces. The luster of the coin may be impaired.
Uncirculated (MS-60) This coin has no trace of wear, but it may show several contact marks, and the surface of the coin may lack luster, or even be spotted.
Choice About Uncirculated (AU-55) There is evidence of friction on the high points of the coin's design (Specifically on Kennedy's cheek and jaw as well as the hair below the part as well as on the center tail feathers on the reverse), but most of the mint luster remains.
About Uncirculated (AU-50) This coin shows traces of light wear on many of the high points of the coin. At least half of the original mint luster is still present.
Choice Extremely Fine (EF-45) The coin exhibits light overall wear on the highest points of the coin. There is obvious slight wear on the high points of the obverse, but Kennedy's hair lines are still sharp. On the reverse, there is wear at the high points of the arrows. The right wing tip has begun to show wear. Although wear is evident on the central tail feathers, but they are still clearly defined and separated from one another) Three-fourths of the original mint luster is still evident.
Extremely Fine (EF-40) There is light wear throughout the design, but all features of the design are still sharp and well-defined. Although not an essential element to the the definition of this grade, some traces of mint luster may still exist.
Choice Very Fine (VF-30) Light, even wear on the surface and highest parts throughout the design. All major features of the design, as well as al lettering remain sharp. Hair lines are weak, but most of the details remain visible. On the reverse, the arrow points are obviously worn, although some detail remains. The central tail feathers are visible but worn. The tips of both wings evidence light wear.
Very Fine (VF-20) While all major details of the design remain clear, there is moderate wear on high points of the coin's design.
Fine (F-12) There is moderate to considerable even wear. The design remains bold, and the overall appearance of the coin is still pleasing to the eye.
Very Good (VG-8) The coin is well worn with the main features of the design remaining clear and bold, although they have been worn somewhat flat.
Good (G-4) This coin is heavily worn. The design is still visible, but many of the details are flat, and the design is faint in some areas.
About Good (AG-3) This coin is very heavily worn with portions of the lettering, date, and legend have been worn smooth. In many instances, the date is barely readable.
look at the PCGS estimate of possible values.GovMint.com - Your One Best Source for Coins Worldwide - Shop now!
But My Coins Look Terrible. No Numismatic Value at All!
Don't Forget...Some Kennedy Half Dollars Contain Silver!!!
All half dollars prior to 1965 contain 90% Silver. That means in a 12.5 gram coin there are 11.25 grams of silver and 1.25 grams of copper. The 1965-70 Kennedy Half Dollars are 40% Silver, which means that there are 5 grams of silver in these coins. Even badly damaged coins from these years can be sold for their silver value! How much are the Kennedy Halves containing silver worth? Coinflation.com has a good calculator to tell you the "melt value" of your silver coins. Are you going to retire based on the silver in your Mercury Dimes? Probably not, but in times of high silver prices you may be surprised at what a Mercury Dime is worth! What's the Spot Price of Silver?
- Today's Gold price per ounce Spot gold price per gram; Silver price per ounce ...
- Gold and silver price trend-lines moved in divergent directions during the last week of trading. Gold price finished above break-even through last week's trading sessions and silver price trend-line finished just lower. Yesterday, price trend-lines for ...
- Travelex gold spot quotes at close: C$1587 bid, C$1588 ask; silver C$28.19 bid
- TORONTO - Gold spot price was quoted at C$1587 bid (US$1546) and C$1588 asked (US$1547) at the close of trading Wednesday at Travelex Canada Ltd., a major gold and foreign exchange dealer. At the close, silver spot price was quoted at C$28.19 bid ...
Coin Guides on Amazon
Kennedy Half Folders
A Place for Everything and Everything in its Place!
You May Prefer an Album
How Many Names Did You Find?
I Got 27! (Did You Remember to Use the E Pluribus Unum on the Back?)
Adams (John), Adams (John Quincy), Arthur, Buchanan, Bush (George H.W.), Bush (George W), Carter, Clinton, Coolidge, Filmore, Ford, Garfield, Grant, Harding, Harrison, Hayes, Lincoln, Madison, Monroe, Obama, Pierce, Reagan, Taft, Truman, Tyler, Washington, Wilson. Interestingly, you can't spell Kennedy's name because there is no K!
Let Me See...What Next?
Magnifying Glasses, the Tools of the Trade
Carry This in Your Pocket
You'll Be Amazed How Useful it Is!
I carry one of these with me everywhere I go. I am amazed at how often I use it...and how often that use has nothing whatsoever to do with coin collecting. Without a doubt, one of the best buys I've ever made!
Lightwedge Lighted Pocket Magnifier, Black
Amazon Price: $8.52 (as of 05/23/2012)
For on-the-fly magnification and illumination, popping out the Lightwedge mini magnifier is easy, quick, and convenient. Designed to stash in a pocket, purse, or glove compartment, the unit slides open to turn on its powerful LED light and offers 3X magnification in a generous rectangular frame.
I Use This Magnifier When Searching Rolls!
Keeps Both Hands Free and Provides a GREAT View
The Multiflex Desk Magnifier Lamp offers two ultra-bright LEDs that flood an area with light for sharper detail, preventing eyestrain and making it easier to read or do crafts. The 2x magnification is ideal for general reading and tasks, and the 6x power loupe provides more powerful magnification for fine print or an extra-close look at objects.
Adjustable, Glare-Free Illumination
The Multiflex Desk Magnifier Lamp has a durable metal gooseneck that adjusts quickly and easily. Once it's where you need it, it stays fixed in place. Fulcrum's LED flood technology means you'll have bright light without any glare.
Energy-Efficient LEDs Extend Battery Life
To save you money and help protect the environment, this lamp uses energy-efficient LED bulbs. These bulbs extend battery life and never need replacement. Additionally, they emit little or no heat when compared to incandescent lamps, so working for extended periods of time under and around the lens will be more comfortable.
Fulcrum 20073-101 Multiflex LED Desk Magnifier Lamp
Amazon Price: $30.28 (as of 05/23/2012)
-Large 4-Inch lens provides 2X magnified coverage for reading, hobbies and detailed tasks.
-LED super bright lights clearly illuminate the finest details using an optical quality acrylic lens
-Fully adjustable neck and lamp head allow pivoting to accommodate any variety of positions
-Energy efficient LED's last over 100,000 hours - never need changing!
Kennedy Halves and You
Kennedy Half Dollar Errors on eBay
Kennedy Half Dollar Jewelry on Amazon
How Often Do You See Half Dollars?
At one time my 14-year old daughter didn't even know what a half dollar was! She said she had never seen one in change. I used to see half dollars much more frequently than I see them now! Demand among the public is very limited. In fact, since 2002 half dollars have only been struck for collectors, not released into general circulation. What's your experience finding half dollars "in the wild?"
Keep Track of Your Coins!
What Do You Have? What Do You Need?
Check List and Record Book of United States and Canadian Coins (Official Red Books)
Amazon Price: $5.00 (as of 05/23/2012)
This little book helps you see at a glance what coins you have, what you are missing. This is a great little tool to take with you to coin shows!
Kennedy Half Dollars
are a great place to start out in coin collecting! And the Silver contained in the early Kennedy Halves may make them a good investment!
A Little Something for Your Office
Uncirculated Bicentennial Kennedy Half-Dollar Lucite Paperweight
Amazon Price: (as of 05/23/2012)
This clear lucite paper weight is super rare and unique. It was a limited edition, manufactured in 1976. Inside the 2" x 2" inch lucite block is an uncirculated Kennedy Bicentennial Half Dollar. The coin is centered perfectly in this clear lucite square giving it a float-like appearance. This is a Great Gift for ANY Coin Lover!
Isn't It TIME You Started Collecting Kennedy Halves?
JFK coin Wall Clock
The Obverse (Heads) Side of the Kennedy Half Dollar on a Clock. Great Decoration for the Home or Office of any Coin Collector, fan of John F Kennedy, or any small business person who needs to remind folks that "Time Is Money!"
Price: $15.99
Collecting in Quantity or Distributing?
You Can Order in Quantity Directly from the Mint!
My Coin Lenses
Learn About Indian Head Cents
Lincoln Pennies
Lincoln Cents--Wheaties and Lincoln Memorials
Liberty Nickels
Learn about Liberty Nickels, the first nickel of the Twentieth Century!
Buffalo Nickels
Learn About Buffs...my first coin lens! Did you know they are the basis of some wonderful folk art?
Jefferson Nickels
Jefferson Nickels. Did you know that some have silver content?
Barber Dimes
Barber Dimes were a wonderful coin at the beginning of the Twentieth Century
Mercury Dimes
Mercury Dimes--Actual Name Winged Liberty Dimes. But why would liberty have wings on her head? Find out here.
Roosevelt Dimes
Franklin D Roosevelt Dimes. Helped pull us out of the Depression and got his face on a coin!
Barber Quarters
Barber Quarters%u2026another coin featuring the design sculpted by the chief engraver of the US Mint.
Standing Liberty Quarters
Standing Liberty Quarters are among the favorites of collectors. Another interesting and beautiful design.
Washington Quarter
Washington Quarters%u2026a classic featuring our first President.
Barber Half Dollars
Barber Half Dollars feature Barber's rendition of the head of Liberty.
Walking Liberty Half Dollars
Walking Liberty Half Dollars--Perhaps the most beautiful of US Coins
Franklin Half Dollars
Benjamin Franklin Half Dollars -Featuring Benjamin Franklin and the Liberty Bell. Grat collector material
Kennedy Half Dollars
John F Kennedy Half Dollars began their run mere months after Kennedy's assassination and have been some of our most popular coins ever!
Morgan Silver Dollars
Morgan Silver Dollars not just prized for their silver content, they are gorgeous coins!
Peace Dollars
Peace Dollars are among my favorite coins! A gorgeous obverse side and a Standing Eagle on the Reverse!
Eisenhower Dollars
Eisenhower Dollars-The first coin I can remember to feature the Moon.
Susan B Anthony Dollar
Susan B Anthony Dollars feature a fighter for equal rights for women.
Sacagawea Dollars
Sacagawea Dollars-commemorating her contributions to the Lewis and Clark Expedition!
Two Cent Piece
The Two Cent Piece was issued in response to a small change shortage during the Civil War. With more than half its total production in the first two years, this is a very interesting coin!
Coin Resources on the Internet
- American Numismatic Association
- The American Numismatic Association is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to educating and encouraging people to study and collect money and related items.
- American Numismatic Society
- A national institution advancing the study and public appreciation of coins, currency, medals, orders and decorations, and related objects
A Tribute to Three Brothers?
Should there be a Commemorative Coin to Celebrate the Kennedy Brothers?
John F. Kennedy became President of the United States. Robert F. Kennedy was Attorney General of the United States and Senator from New York. Edward Kennedy became Senator from the state of Massachusetts. All three contributed to the United States we know today.
An Image of a Kennedy Half on a Keychain?
Kennedy Half Dollar by coincrazy
Make a promotional key chain On www.Zazzle.com
See other United States Keychains
Who's Blogging About Kennedy Half Dollars?
- US Mint Begins Sales of 2012 Kennedy Half Dollar Rolls and Bags
- The Kennedy Half Dollar was introduced in 1964 and features a bust of President Kennedy on the obverse designed by Gilroy Roberts. The reverse features the Presidential Seal as designed by Frank Gasparro. Since 2002, half dollars have not been produced ...
- Kennedy Halves, Native American $1 Coins in US Mint Mid-May Releases
- The first two expand on prior releases of Native American $1 coins and the others feature this year's Kennedy half dollar. Neither item is mass produced for public circulation via the Federal Reserve Banking System like other American coinage.
- 1964 Accented Hair halves
- Two distinct types of the Proof 1964 Kennedy half dollar exist ? the scarce Accented Hair (Type 1) and the ?normal? issue (Type 2). From a mintage of nearly 4 million Proof 1964 Kennedy half dollars, consensus seems to place only around 100000 pieces ...
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Tell Us About YOUR Experience With Kennedy Half Dollars
and What Else You'd Like to See in This Lens!
Thank you very much for visiting. We'd love to hear about your coin collection, especially your Kennedy Half Dollars!
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Millionairemomma
May 10, 2012 @ 1:18 am | delete
- Great coins!
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GrammaLinda
Apr 14, 2012 @ 10:10 pm | delete
- So many proprietors don't like 1/2 dollar and dollar coins because cash registers are not really developed with them in mind. Several of the store owners I know are happy to trade them out for equivalent value coins or bills. Blessings.
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JimDickens
Mar 9, 2012 @ 10:04 am | delete
- I have been able to sell 3 1964 Kennedy halves on eBay and they really are worth much more than $.50 just like you said. I have done a lot of ebay coin activity since December and found this lens fascinating. Thanks
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Mamaboo Feb 20, 2012 @ 7:31 pm | delete
- Kennedy is perhaps my most favorite president, I tie him with Lincoln (don't tell them I didn't use first names). I'm enjoy reading any and all things about them, even coins. Be blessed this Presidents day!
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jimmyworldstar
Feb 10, 2012 @ 1:53 pm | delete
- I'd love to see some of these coins again, I wonder how much they're worth.
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by ViolinStudent
Arthur Haule began to collect coins on in 1963. He was thrilled to get two folders with the common dates of a Lincoln Penny collection for Christmas. He... more »
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A Sweet Kennedy Half Christmas Present
Chocolate Kennedy Half Dollar Gold Coins 100 coins - 1lb bag
Amazon Price: (as of 05/23/2012)
A Lovely Coin Pendant
Coins, Jewelry, and Guaranteed Smiles This Christmas!
Bicentennial Kennedy Half Dollar (1976) Two Tone Rope Bezel U.S. Coin Pendant with 24" Chain
Amazon Price: $95.19 (as of 05/23/2012)
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