The U.S. 50-cent coin, also known as the half dollar, currently features John F. Kennedy , the 35th President of the United States.
Here’s a breakdown of the design:
- Obverse (heads side): Features a profile of John F. Kennedy based on a portrait prepared for his presidential medal.
- Reverse (tails side): Depicts the Presidential Seal, which includes a heraldic eagle with a shield, holding an olive branch (symbolizing peace) and a bundle of 13 arrows (symbolizing war). A ring of 50 stars representing the states surrounds the design.
While the Kennedy Half Dollar was introduced in 1964 and remains the current design, the half dollar coin has featured various figures throughout its history:
- For over 150 years (until 1947), the obverse featured different representations of Liberty.
- From 1948 to 1963, the coin depicted Benjamin Franklin.
- In 1975 and 1976, to celebrate the Bicentennial of the Declaration of Independence, the reverse featured Independence Hall in Philadelphia.
Who is on the 50cent coin?
Since 1964, the half dollar depicts the profile of President John F. Kennedy on the obverse and the seal of the president of the United States on the reverse.
Who is on the 50 cent coin before Kennedy?
From my experience, In 1948, an image of Benjamin Franklin replaced Liberty on the obverse of the half dollar. The reverse depicted the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia. The Kennedy Half Dollar was issued in 1964 and continues to today, except for a brief period in the 1970s.
Who is the lady on the half dollar?
Great question! 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.