United States Kennedy Half Dollar (Reverse View)
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint (Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco mints); founded in 1792, it is the sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage for the U.S.
Pattern: Kennedy Half Dollar series, designed by Gilroy Roberts (obverse) and Frank Gasparro (reverse); introduced in 1964 as a memorial to President John F. Kennedy.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint (Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco mints); founded in 1792, it is the sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage for the U.S.
Material
Likely 40% Silver Clad (1965-1970) or Copper-Nickel Clad (1971-present). 1964 issues were 90% silver, while silver proof versions from 1992-present are also 90% or 99.9% silver.
Dimensions
Diameter: 30.61 mm (1.205 in); Thickness: 2.15 mm; Weight: 11.5 grams (clad) or 12.5 grams (90% silver).
Description
The reverse of a Kennedy Half Dollar features a heraldic eagle inspired by the Presidential Seal. The eagle clutches an olive branch signifying peace and a bundle of arrows signifying war readiness. A shield covers the eagle's chest, while a glory of rays and stars breaks through clouds above. It is one of the most widely recognized American coin designs, still produced for collectors today.
Key Features
Gasparro 'FG' initials; 50 stars in a circular arrangement; 'United States of America' and 'Half Dollar' peripheral lettering; 'E Pluribus Unum' ribbon.
Material & Composition
Likely 40% Silver Clad (1965-1970) or Copper-Nickel Clad (1971-present). 1964 issues were 90% silver, while silver proof versions from 1992-present are also 90% or 99.9% silver.
Finish & Decoration
Business strike with a satin/matte circulation finish. Reverse features the Presidential Seal: an eagle holding an olive branch and arrows, surrounded by a ring of 50 stars.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The 'FG' designer initials for Frank Gasparro are visible under the eagle's right wing. Mint marks (D, S, or none for Philly) are located on the obverse above the date (post-1968).
Construction Details
Industrial die-struck coinage; produced using heavy hydraulic presses that strike a planchet (blank) between two hardened steel dies.
Functional Features
Reeded edge (milled) to prevent 'clipping' or shaving of the metal; legal tender currency with a face value of 50 cents.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable as a numismatic item, though the reeded edge provides tactile grip for counting and utility for the visually impaired.
Craftsmanship Details
High-relief master hubbing allows for intricate detail in the eagle's plumage. While machine-made, the design originates from hand-carved plaster models by the Mint's Chief Engravers.
Authentication Indicators
Correct font serif for 'HALF DOLLAR'; alignment of the stars; presence of the FG initials; standard reeded edge. Weight and sound (the 'ring' test) can distinguish silver from clad.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America; Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver ('D'), or San Francisco ('S') Mint facilities.
Era & Period
Late Modern Era / Contemporary; Cold War historical context following the 1963 assassination of John F. Kennedy.
Age Estimate
Post-1964; the lack of a prominent 'silver white' luster and presence of 'rim-coloring' suggests a clad issue from 1971 to the present day.
Cultural Significance
Acts as a numismatic memorial to JFK; represents American resilience in the 1960s and transition from precious metal to base metal coinage (The Great Debasement).
Condition Notes
Circulated condition (Very Fine/Extra Fine). Visible 'bag marks' and minor surface abrasions; slight flattening of the eagle's breast feathers and wing tips due to handling.
Value Estimate
Clad circulated versions are worth face value ($0.50). 1964 90% silver versions are worth ~$10; 1965-70 40% silver versions are worth ~$4 depending on silver spot prices.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish coins; cleaning destroys numismatic value. Store in PVC-free flips, Mylar holders, or velvet-lined coin trays to prevent 'environmental damage' or toning.
Similar Pieces
Franklin Half Dollar (1948-1963), Walking Liberty Half Dollar (1916-1947), and Bicentennial Kennedy Half (1976 with Independence Hall reverse).
Interesting Facts
The 1964 version was so popular that people hoarded them, leading to a shortage. Initially, the public thought the 'FG' initials were a Communist hammer and sickle symbol, which was quickly debunked.