After President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in November 1963, the United States Mint replaced the Benjamin Franklin half-dollar that was in use at the time with a new design honoring the slain president. Kennedy half-dollars remain in use today.
For the first year (1964), Kennedy half-dollars were made of silver, like previous half dollar coins of the United States. However, in 1965, the Kennedy half dollar had its silver reduced from 90% to 40%, and it was removed altogether in 1971; it would henceforth be made of copper and nickel. Proofs and occasional special collectors’ versions of the Kennedy fifty-cent piece have been minted in silver, however.
With such an emotional subject, and with so many years, special sets, and various collectors’ editions to choose from, Kennedy half dollars are among the most beloved of recent American coins for buyers, sellers, and collectors worldwide these days. Check the current listings to browse what coins are available now, and come back often to see daily updates to these listings.
