The Kennedy Half Dollar was first issued in 1964 to honor President John F. Kennedy. The original 1964 issue was struck in 90% silver and features Kennedy’s portrait on the obverse with a presidential seal-inspired design on the reverse.
The Kennedy Half Dollar was first struck in 1964, only months after President John F. Kennedy’s assassination. The original issue used a 90% silver composition and was produced quickly to create a national memorial coin while maintaining normal U.S. Mint circulation standards.
Design Details
The obverse, designed by Gilroy Roberts, features a profile portrait of President John F. Kennedy. The reverse, designed by Frank Gasparro, adapts the Presidential Seal with a heraldic eagle surrounded by stars and national inscriptions.
Investment & Legacy
The Kennedy Half Dollar carries historical significance as the U.S. half dollar introduced in 1964 after President John F. Kennedy’s assassination. The original 90% silver issue combines precious-metal content with a widely recognized memorial design and long-running collector interest.
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