The U.S. 50-cent coin, also known as the half dollar, features a portrait of President John F. Kennedy on the obverse (front). This design has been in use since 1964, shortly after his assassination.
The reverse side of the coin typically displays the Presidential Seal. This seal includes:
- A heraldic eagle with a shield.
- The eagle holding an olive branch in one talon and a bundle of 13 arrows in the other, symbolizing peace and war respectively.
- A ring of 50 stars representing the states surrounding the design.
Note that there were special Bicentennial half dollars issued in 1975 and 1976 that featured Independence Hall in Philadelphia on the reverse to celebrate the bicentennial of the Declaration of Independence.
Who is the lady on the half dollar?
Thanks for asking. The Capped Bust half dollar is the third version of the half dollar produced by the US Mint. It features Lady Liberty on its obverse once again, but with a few subtle changes. The first new element is its namesake, the cap that Lady Liberty now wears on her head.