In the United States, a 50 cent coin is most commonly known as a half dollar or fifty-cent piece.
While it’s the largest circulating coin in the US by size and weight, it’s not as common in everyday transactions as other denominations. This is partly due to the US Mint ceasing to produce them for general circulation between 2002 and 2020, though production resumed in 2021. Many older half dollars were also hoarded by the public, especially those containing silver from earlier minting years.
Over its long history, the half dollar has featured various designs, many of which are known by names reflecting those designs or the individuals they commemorate:
- Kennedy Half Dollar: This is the current design, featuring a profile of President John F. Kennedy on the obverse (heads). It was first issued in 1964, a year after Kennedy’s assassination.
- Walking Liberty Half Dollar: This design, minted from 1916 to 1947, features a depiction of Liberty.
- Franklin Half Dollar: These coins, minted from 1948 to 1963, depicted Founding Father Benjamin Franklin.
- Barber Half Dollar: These coins, minted from 1892 to 1915, were named after their designer, Charles E. Barber.
Many other countries also have 50 cent coins within their currency systems. For example, the Eurozone has a 50 euro cent coin , which features a common reverse side and country-specific national designs. Some examples of these include:
- Italy: Featuring the Equestrian Statue of Marcus Aurelius.
- Croatia: Featuring inventor and engineer Nikola Tesla.
- Germany: Featuring the Brandenburg Gate.
- France: Featuring a portrait of Nobel Prize-winning scientist Marie Curie.
Does the half dollar coin have a name?
The Kennedy half dollar, first minted in 1964, is a fifty-cent coin issued by the United States Mint.
Does a $0.50 coin exist?
Since 2002, half dollars have been minted primarily for annual coin sets and other numismatic products. However, the Federal Reserve may still order them for circulation.
What is the Kennedy 50cent coin?
The Kennedy half dollar was first minted in 1964 to commemorate President John F. Kennedy after his assassination in 1963. The half dollar has a rich history beginning in 1794. From 1794 to 1947, half-dollars were made of silver and decorated with an allegorical image that symbolized liberty on the obverse.
How rare is a 50cent coin?
It is rare to see a half dollar in circulation today (not that the coins themselves are rare). It is worth mentioning that all circulation strike Kennedy half dollars from 1971 and later are just worth their face value of 50 cents.