Building a Kennedy Half Dollar Collection
Learn About Kennedy Half Dollars
The U.S. Mint issued the first Kennedy halves for circulation about two months after his assassination, starting with the Denver Mint on January 30, 1964. In 2002, the Mint discontinued issuing the half dollar for circulation – striking just enough for collectors.
But in response to a coinage shortage during the COVID-19 pandemic, the mint resumed production for circulation as well as for collectors in 2021.
Starting in 2024, the Kennedy P&D half dollar was, again, only issued for collectors.
The Kennedy Half Dollar Design
First minted in 1964, the obverse was designed by U.S. Mint Chief Engraver Gilroy Roberts. It was based on a portrait prepared for Kennedy’s presidential medal and after consultations with the president’s widow, Jacqueline Kennedy, and his brother, Robert F. Kennedy.
Assistant Mint Engraver Frank Gasparro (shown below) designed the eagle reverse based on the presidential seal.
Kennedy’s profile replaced that of a Founding Father, Benjamin Franklin, who had been the first non-elected official on a U.S. coin. Chief Engraver John R. Sinnock designed the Franklin obverse; the reverse was completed by Gilroy Roberts after Sinnock's passing.
| Composition: | |
| 1964: | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| 1965-1970: | 40% silver; 60% copper |
| 1971 to present: | 75% copper, 25% nickel clad |
| 1976-S: | 40% silver, 60% copper |
| 1992-S: | 2018-S Proofs: 90% silver |
| 2014-W: | 99.99% pure gold |
| 2019-S Proofs: | 99.9% silver |
| Weight: | |
| 1964: | 12.5 grams |
| 1965-1970: | 11.5 grams |
| 1971-present: | 11.34 grams |
| Diameter: | 30.2 mm |
| Edge: | Reeded |
| Mints: | Philadelphia (P), Denver (D), San Francisco (S), West Point (W) |
Photo courtesy of the National Museum of American History
How to Display and Protect Your Kennedy Half Dollar Collection
There are several ways to display and safely store your Kennedy Half Dollar collection. Many first-time collectors use self-seal flips that allow viewing of both the heads and tails. They also use Lighthouse slabs made of hardshell plastic. Our custom Kennedy Half Dollar folders span the years from 1964 to date. For a sophisticated and stylish method of display, there’s the option of a personal presentation case.
Proper storage is important for maintaining your collection’s value. Find out more about caring for your coins here.
