** The Kennedy Half Dollar design from the United States Mint is the most recent and current design for the 50-cent piece. The design was conceived of quickly following President Kennedy’s assassination in November 1963. By January 1964, a bust of the president was ready for production on the half dollar. 

Coin Highlights:

• Kennedy 90% silver dollars issued only in 1964!
• Each coin contains .3619 Troy oz of actual silver content
• Issued individual face values of $.50 (USD) by the United States.
• Obverse depicts President John F. Kennedy in left-profile relief.
• Reverse includes the Presidential Seal of the United States of America.

The first Kennedy Half Dollar Coins issued by the United States Mint were released in March 1964. Specimens from that year are difficult to find as many Americans hoarded the circulation 50-cent piece coins as a memento of the fallen president. Frank Gasparro and Gilroy Roberts, US Mint Engraver-Artists were responsible for the production of the designs found on these coins.

On the obverse of 90% Silver Kennedy Half Dollar Coins is a depiction of President John F. Kennedy in left-profile relief. The design includes the word “Liberty” stretched across the entire top half of the design rocker. “In God We Trust” is at the bottom of Kennedy’s bust and the date mark for the coins is inscribed along the bottom rocker of the design field.

The reverse of 90% Silver Kennedy Half Dollars features a version of the Great Seal of the President of the United States of America. This image includes the American bald eagle with wings spread and the US heraldic shield on its chest. The eagle clutches arrows in one talon and an olive branch in the other.

Gilroy Roberts and Frank Gasparro’s designs of the presidential seal and the president’s bust on these coins are unique in that both had the approval of President John F. Kennedy himself. These designs were modified from Presidential Medals produced early in President Kennedy’s term as President of the United States. The president himself approved the designs for the medals and each one was adapted for use on the Half Dollar following his death.

** SPECIFICATIONS: