United States John F. Kennedy Half Dollar (Reverse View)
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint (Philadelphia or Denver mints primarily)
Pattern: Kennedy Half Dollar, introduced in 1964 and still in production for collector sets
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint (Philadelphia or Denver mints primarily)
Material
Varies by year: 1964 issues are .900 coin silver; 1965-1970 issues are .400 silver clad (outer layer .800 silver, inner core .209 silver alloy); 1971-present issues contain no silver (copper-nickel clad over a pure copper core)
Dimensions
Diameter: 30.61 mm (1.205 inches); Weight: 12.50 grams for silver issues (1964-1970) or 11.34 grams for copper-nickel clad issues (1971-present)
Description
An image showing the reverse side of a United States John F. Kennedy half dollar resting on a calendar sheet. The visible face displays the presidential coat of arms featuring an American bald eagle clutching an olive branch and arrows, encircled by the inscriptions 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' and 'HALF DOLLAR'.
Key Features
Presidential heraldic eagle reverse design based on the Great Seal of the United States, originally sculpted by Frank Gasparro
Material & Composition
Varies by year: 1964 issues are .900 coin silver; 1965-1970 issues are .400 silver clad (outer layer .800 silver, inner core .209 silver alloy); 1971-present issues contain no silver (copper-nickel clad over a pure copper core)
Finish & Decoration
Business strike or proof finish with standard presidential heraldic eagle reverse design
Hallmarks & Stamps
Mint mark (D or S) located on the reverse side above the letters 'DO' of 'DOLLAR', inscription 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', and 'HALF DOLLAR'
Construction Details
Coined/struck via high-pressure mechanical coin press
Functional Features
Standard circulating or commemorative United States half dollar currency
Handle & Grip Details
Reeded edge
Craftsmanship Details
High-relief mechanical hubbing and die-striking yielding sharp details on the eagle's plumage, shield, and peripheral lettering
Authentication Indicators
Standard weight, dimensions, reeded edge, and precise lettering details characteristic of genuine United States Mint currency
Origin & Manufacturing
United States (Mint facilities in Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco)
Era & Period
Modern U.S. Mint Era (1964-Present)
Age Estimate
Issued post-1964 (exact year requires viewing the obverse portrait side)
Cultural Significance
Serves as both a circulating coin and a poignant American memorial numismatic piece honoring the 35th President of the United States
Condition Notes
Circulated condition with typical surface scuffs, minor abrasions, and moderate tarnish/toning consistent with handling
Value Estimate
Face value ($0.50) for modern clad versions; melt value or numismatic premium for 1964 (.900 silver) and 1965-1970 (40% silver) issues, ranging from $3 to over $20 depending on exact year, silver spot price, and condition
Care & Maintenance
Handle by the edges using cotton gloves to prevent skin oils from causing unwanted toning or tarnish; store in archival flips, capsules, or an inert coin album
Similar Pieces
Washington quarters, Roosevelt dimes, Franklin half dollars, and other 20th-century U.S. silver and clad coinage
Interesting Facts
The Kennedy half dollar was rushed into production in 1964 following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, becoming an immediate and immensely popular collector keepsake worldwide