United States Kennedy Half Dollar (40% Silver Clad)
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint; a bureau of the Department of the Treasury founded in 1792.
Pattern: Kennedy Half Dollar, Reverse Design by Frank Gasparro
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint; a bureau of the Department of the Treasury founded in 1792.
Material
40% Silver Clad: Two outer layers of 80% silver and 20% copper bonded to an inner core of 20.9% silver and 79.1% copper. Total weight ~11.5g with 0.1479 troy oz of pure silver.
Dimensions
Diameter: 30.6 mm (1.205 in); Thickness: 2.15 mm; Total Weight: 11.50 grams.
Description
This is the reverse of a Kennedy Half Dollar, authorized by Congress shortly after the assassination of JFK. The design displays the Presidential Seal, conveying national strength and peace. While the 1964 version was 90% silver, these later 40% versions represent the last remnants of precious metal usage in circulating US coinage.
Key Features
Heraldic eagle design; 'E Pluribus Unum' ribbon; 50-star surround; distinct clad layering visible on the edge (not pictured, but diagnostic).
Material & Composition
40% Silver Clad: Two outer layers of 80% silver and 20% copper bonded to an inner core of 20.9% silver and 79.1% copper. Total weight ~11.5g with 0.1479 troy oz of pure silver.
Finish & Decoration
Mint strike with a Great Seal of the United States reverse. Features a heraldic eagle holding an olive branch and arrows, a shield, and a ring of 50 stars. This specimen shows heavy tarnish and oxidation.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Inscribed 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', 'HALF DOLLAR', and 'E PLURIBUS UNUM'. Mint marks (D for Denver, S for San Francisco, or no mark for Philadelphia) would be located on the obverse date side.
Construction Details
Machine-struck on a multi-layered clad planchet using high-pressure dies. The reeded edge is a standard security and functional feature.
Functional Features
Reeded edge to prevent clipping; legal tender denomination of 50 cents.
Handle & Grip Details
Reeded (milled) edge for tactile grip and security.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard mechanical US Mint strike; the design by Gasparro is technically proficient for mass high-speed production.
Authentication Indicators
Die-struck lettering and stars consistent with US Mint standards. The wear patterns on the raised lettering 'HALF DOLLAR' are consistent with industrial minting rather than a cast counterfeit.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America; likely Denver or Philadelphia Mint facilities.
Era & Period
Space Age/Modern Era (Post-1964 coinage transition).
Age Estimate
Circa 1965-1970 (the period when 40% silver composition was utilized for circulating half dollars).
Cultural Significance
A commemorative circulating piece that serves as a permanent memorial to President John F. Kennedy, bridging the gap between precious metal currency and modern base-metal 'sandwich' coins.
Condition Notes
Circulated/Poor condition. Significant surface environmental damage, heavy oxidation, pitting, and possible corrosion. Detail loss on the eagle's feathers and stars due to abrasive wear and chemical exposure.
Value Estimate
Melt value of the silver content (approx. $4.00 - $6.00 USD depending on spot price); no collector premium due to heavy damage.
Care & Maintenance
For this condition, no cleaning is recommended as it has no numismatic premium; store in a dry environment to prevent further corrosion. Do not clean with acids which may expose the copper core.
Similar Pieces
1964 Kennedy Half (90% Silver), 1971-Present Kennedy Half (Copper-Nickel Clad), Franklin Half Dollar (90% Silver).
Interesting Facts
The 40% silver composition was a compromise to save silver for the US Treasury while still providing a 'precious' feel to the nation's most prestigious circulating coin at the time.