1966 Kennedy Half Dollar (40% Silver)
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint; designed by Gilroy Roberts (obverse) and Frank Gasparro (reverse)
Pattern: Kennedy Half Dollar series, introduced/first minted in 1964
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint; designed by Gilroy Roberts (obverse) and Frank Gasparro (reverse)
Material
40% Silver Clad (80% silver outer layers over a core of 20.9% silver and 79.1% copper; total weight average .1479 troy oz pure silver)
Dimensions
Diameter: 30.6mm; Weight: 11.50 grams; Thickness: 2.15mm
Description
An iconic example of American coinage featuring the profile of the 35th President, John F. Kennedy. This 1966 specimen represents the unique period from 1965-1970 when the U.S. Mint reduced silver content from 90% to 40% for half dollars while eliminating silver from dimes and quarters entirely.
Key Features
Portrait by Gilroy Roberts; 40% silver composition; absence of mint mark (typical for 1965-1967 Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco business strikes)
Material & Composition
40% Silver Clad (80% silver outer layers over a core of 20.9% silver and 79.1% copper; total weight average .1479 troy oz pure silver)
Finish & Decoration
Business strike with a satin-to-lustrous finish; Obverse features the profile of John F. Kennedy; Reverse (implied) features the Presidential Seal
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped '1966' on obverse; 'LIBERTY', 'IN GOD WE TRUST', and the designer's initials 'GR' on the truncation of the neck
Construction Details
Die-struck at a high-volume minting facility; clad metallurgy (layers bonded together)
Functional Features
Reeded edge for security against shaving; legal tender value of fifty cents
Handle & Grip Details
None (standard coinage)
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial high-pressure die striking; crisp lettering and portrait relief characteristic of mid-century automated minting
Authentication Indicators
Die-struck details consistent with US Mint standards; specific silver-clad 'sandwich' edge visible upon inspection; correct weight of 11.5g
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America; likely Philadelphia Mint (no mint mark)
Era & Period
Modern Era (Cold War Era American Numismatics)
Age Estimate
Dated 1966; approximately 58 years old
Cultural Significance
A permanent numismatic memorial to John F. Kennedy that led to massive hoarding by the public, effectively ending the coin's utility as a circulating medium of exchange.
Condition Notes
About Uncirculated to Choice BU; shows signs of light oxidation/tarnish (golden-brown patina) along the edges and fields; no major structural damage but visible bag marks
Value Estimate
$4.00 - $12.00 depending on silver spot price and numismatic grade
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish with abrasives as it destroys numismatic value; store in non-PVC flips or capsules to prevent further environmental toning
Similar Pieces
1964 Kennedy Half Dollar (90% Silver); 1971-Present Kennedy Half Dollar (Copper-Nickel Clad, No Silver)
Interesting Facts
The Kennedy Half Dollar was authorized by Congress just over a month after JFK's assassination. The 1966 version is notable for being the first year since 1964 that the Mint produced significant quantities again.