Kennedy Half Dollar (1964-Now)

Kennedy Half Dollar (1964-Now): A Brief History

In 1964, Franklin half dollars were replaced by Kennedy Half Dollars, which were struck to memorialize the late President John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated just the year prior. Collectors and those who wanted to keep a memento of the late president hoarded the half dollars when they were initially released in March of 1964. Because the first Kennedy half dollars were made of 90% silver, as the price of silver increased, more coins were hoarded. Therefore, in 1965, the percentage of silver in the Kennedy half dollar was decreased from 90% to 40%. Regardless of this change in composition, the Kennedy half dollar had limited circulation.

Beginning in 1971, the coin's composition for circulation changed to remove silver entirely. A special reverse of the Kennedy half dollar was struck in 1975 and 1976 to honor the bicentennial of the United States. The bicentennial reverse, designed by Seth G. Huntington, featured Independence Hall. The obverse of the bicentennial Kennedy half dollars was double dated 1776-1976. Silver proof half dollars were available for collectors starting in 1992.

From 2001 to 2020, production of Kennedy half dollars for circulation halted. Coins minted during this time were mainly for collection purposes. A 50th anniversary set of Kennedy half dollars and a special edition 99.99% gold Kennedy half dollar was released in 2014. Since 2021, Kennedy half dollars once again are being produced for circulation.

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