When you ask who is on the half a dollar coin, the immediate and most prominent answer for anyone familiar with modern U.S. coinage is unequivocally John F. Kennedy. His dignified portrait has graced the obverse (or “heads” side) of the half dollar since 1964, a poignant tribute initiated just a year after his tragic assassination. This iconic coin serves not only as a medium of exchange but also as a enduring memorial to a beloved president.
The Enduring Legacy of the Kennedy Half Dollar
The Kennedy half dollar is more than just currency; it’s a piece of American history. Its inception was swift, driven by a national desire to honor a figure who had captivated the country. The decision to place Kennedy on the half dollar was made shortly after his death on November 22, 1963. President Lyndon B. Johnson, along with members of Congress and the U.S. Mint, acted quickly to approve the design, recognizing the profound impact Kennedy had on the nation.
Design and Symbolism
The design of the Kennedy half dollar is a testament to both artistic skill and national sentiment.
- Obverse (Heads Side): The portrait of John F. Kennedy was sculpted by Gilroy Roberts, then Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint. It depicts a profile of Kennedy, facing left, with the word “LIBERTY” encircling the top and the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” below his chin. The date of minting is located at the bottom. Roberts based his design on a presidential medal he had previously created.
- Reverse (Tails Side): The reverse, designed by Frank Gasparro, features the Presidential Seal. This includes a heraldic eagle holding an olive branch (symbolizing peace) and arrows (symbolizing strength and war readiness), with a shield on its chest. A ring of stars encircles the eagle, and the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “HALF DOLLAR” are inscribed. Gasparro also adapted his design from a previous Kennedy medal.
The swiftness with which these designs were approved and put into production highlights the national urgency to create a lasting memorial. For anyone curious who is on the half a dollar coin, the image of JFK is instantly recognizable and deeply embedded in the American consciousness.
Initial Composition and Public Demand
The very first Kennedy half dollars, minted in 1964, were composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. This composition made them highly desirable, not only for their commemorative value but also for their intrinsic metal content. Public demand was unprecedented. People lined up for hours at banks to acquire the new coins, often hoarding them as keepsakes rather than spending them. This immense demand quickly depleted the U.S. Mint’s supply of silver, leading to a significant change in coinage composition.
Evolution of the Half Dollar’s Composition
The composition of the Kennedy half dollar has changed over time, primarily due to rising silver prices and the need to conserve the nation’s silver reserves. This evolution is an important aspect for understanding the coin’s history and value.
1964: 90% Silver
As mentioned, the 1964 Kennedy half dollars were 90% silver. These coins are now highly sought after by collectors and investors due to their silver content. If you are wondering who is on the half a dollar coin and happen to find a 1964 version, you’ve got a valuable piece of history.
1965-1970: 40% Silver (Clad)
Due to the skyrocketing price of silver, the U.S. Mint transitioned to a clad composition for the half dollar starting in 1965. These coins contained an outer layer of 80% silver and 20% copper bonded to an inner core of 21% silver and 79% copper, resulting in an overall composition of 40% silver. This change was part of the Coinage Act of 1965, which eliminated silver from dimes and quarters entirely but retained a reduced silver content for the half dollar. Even with reduced silver, these coins were still hoarded, further exacerbating the coin shortage.
1971-Present: Copper-Nickel Clad
By 1971, even the 40% silver content proved unsustainable. The half dollar was changed to a copper-nickel clad composition, similar to dimes and quarters. These coins consist of a pure copper core bonded between two layers of 75% copper and 25% nickel. This composition is what you will find in circulation today. While these coins are not valuable for their metal content, they continue the legacy of who is on the half a dollar coin.
Special Issues: Bicentennial and Proof Coins
- 1976 Bicentennial Half Dollar: For the United States Bicentennial in 1976, the reverse of the half dollar was temporarily redesigned to feature Independence Hall in Philadelphia. The obverse still displayed Kennedy’s portrait, but the date read “1776-1976.” These coins were minted in both the copper-nickel clad composition for circulation and in 40% silver for collector sets.
- Proof and Silver Proof Issues: The U.S. Mint continues to produce Kennedy half dollars for collectors in various finishes, including proof sets (highly polished coins) and special silver proof sets, which often revert to the 90% silver composition for collectors. These special issues are not intended for circulation but are highly prized by numismatists.
Before Kennedy: Other Figures on the Half Dollar
While John F. Kennedy is the most recognizable figure who is on the half a dollar coin in modern times, he was not the first. The half dollar has a rich history, featuring several notable figures and allegorical designs since its inception in 1794. Understanding these predecessors provides a fuller picture of this denomination’s journey.
The Franklin Half Dollar (1948-1963)
Immediately preceding Kennedy, the half dollar featured a different American icon: Benjamin Franklin. The Franklin half dollar was minted from 1948 until 1963.
- Obverse: The obverse displayed a portrait of Benjamin Franklin, a Founding Father, polymath, and diplomat, designed by John R. Sinnock. His distinctive spectacles and wise expression are characteristic of this design.
- Reverse: The reverse featured the Liberty Bell with a small eagle to its right. The inclusion of the eagle was a requirement by law, as the half dollar had to have an eagle. Sinnock initially designed the coin without the eagle, but it was added later.
The Franklin half dollar replaced the Walking Liberty half dollar, and its run was unexpectedly cut short by the assassination of President Kennedy. The decision to honor Kennedy with a coin was so immediate and impactful that it superseded the planned continuation of the Franklin design. This makes the Franklin half dollar a significant coin for collectors, representing the immediate predecessor to the iconic Kennedy design.
The Walking Liberty Half Dollar (1916-1947)
Before Franklin, one of the most beloved and artistically acclaimed U.S. coins was the Walking Liberty half dollar, minted from 1916 to 1947.
- Obverse: This coin features a full-length figure of Lady Liberty striding towards the sunrise, draped in the American flag, carrying branches of laurel and oak (symbolizing civil and military glory). This iconic design was created by Adolph A. Weinman.
- Reverse: The reverse shows a majestic eagle perched on a mountain crag, wings unfolded, symbolizing strength and freedom.
The Walking Liberty design is widely considered one of the most beautiful in American coinage history. Its artistic merit led to its revival on the American Silver Eagle bullion coin, where the obverse design is still used today.
Other Historical Half Dollar Designs
The half dollar’s history stretches back over two centuries, featuring various designs:
- Flowing Hair Half Dollar (1794-1795): The first half dollar, featuring a depiction of Liberty with flowing hair.
- Draped Bust Half Dollar (1796-1807): A more refined depiction of Liberty.
- Capped Bust Half Dollar (1807-1839): Features Liberty with a cap.
- Seated Liberty Half Dollar (1839-1891): A long-running series depicting Liberty seated.
- Barber Half Dollar (1892-1915): Named after its designer, Charles E. Barber, featuring a classical head of Liberty.
Each of these designs tells a story about the artistic trends, political climate, and economic conditions of its era. They are highly sought after by numismatists, offering a fascinating journey through American history.
Collectibility and Value of the Kennedy Half Dollar
While the question who is on the half a dollar coin primarily points to John F. Kennedy, the value and collectibility of these coins vary significantly.
Key Factors Influencing Value:
1. Year of Minting:
* 1964 Kennedy Half Dollars: These are the most valuable regular-issue Kennedy half dollars due to their 90% silver content. Even circulated 1964 coins are worth significantly more than their face value. Uncirculated examples fetch higher premiums.
* 1965-1970 Kennedy Half Dollars: The 40% silver clad coins also command a premium over face value, though less than the 1964 issues.
* 1971-Present Kennedy Half Dollars: These copper-nickel clad coins are generally only worth face value unless they are in exceptionally high grades (uncirculated, “gem” condition) or contain a rare error.
2. Mint Mark: The small letter on the coin (e.g., “D” for Denver, “S” for San Francisco, “P” for Philadelphia) indicates where the coin was minted. Some mint marks from specific years are rarer than others.
* Notably, some 1964 coins from the Philadelphia mint (no mint mark) can be quite valuable.
* “S” mint marks often denote proof coins, which are typically more valuable.
3. Condition (Grade): The state of preservation of a coin is paramount.
* Uncirculated (UNC): Coins that have never been used in commerce and retain their original mint luster.
* Proof (PF): Specially minted coins with a mirror-like finish, intended for collectors.
* Errors and Varieties: Coins with minting errors (e.g., double dies, off-center strikes, missing mint marks) or significant die varieties can be extremely valuable. The 1974-D DDO (Doubled Die Obverse) and certain 1982 no-P mint mark errors are examples.
4. Silver Content: For pre-1971 coins, the intrinsic value of the silver often dictates the base price, with numismatic value added for rarity and condition.
Why Are Half Dollars Not Commonly Seen in Circulation Today?
Despite millions being minted annually, it’s rare to find a half dollar in everyday transactions. There are several reasons for this:
- Hoarding: As soon as the Kennedy half dollar was released, people began hoarding them, first for their silver content and then as keepsakes. This habit has persisted.
- Lack of Public Familiarity: Younger generations are often unfamiliar with the half dollar as a circulating denomination. Many vending machines and cash registers are not configured to handle them.
- Inconvenience: Its larger size compared to quarters makes it less convenient for everyday transactions for some.
- Federal Reserve Policy: The Federal Reserve primarily distributes half dollars to banks on order. If banks don’t order them, they won’t be in circulation. Many banks don’t order them because there’s little public demand.
Consequently, most half dollars minted today are sold directly to collectors or are ordered by enthusiasts from banks, rather than entering general circulation. This contributes to their perceived rarity in everyday use, even though they are still actively produced.
Conclusion
The answer to who is on the half a dollar coin is definitively John F. Kennedy. His portrait has been a constant on this denomination for six decades, making it one of the most recognizable and enduring symbols in American coinage. From its urgent creation in 1964 as a national tribute to its evolution through various metal compositions, the Kennedy half dollar tells a compelling story of American history, monetary policy, and public sentiment.
While its presence in daily commerce has waned, its significance for collectors and its symbolic value remain strong. It stands as a tangible reminder of a pivotal moment in American history and of a president whose legacy continues to resonate. Whether you hold a silver 1964 issue or a modern clad coin, you hold a piece of that legacy, connecting you to the enduring image of John F. Kennedy on the half dollar.
What presidents are on the half dollar coin?
Good point! The person on the obverse (heads) of the half dollar is John F. Kennedy, our 35th president. He’s been on the half dollar since 1964.
Who is on the half dollar now?
I can help with that. The coin’s design has undergone a number of changes throughout its history. 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.
Is John F. Kennedy on the half dollar coin?
From my experience, 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.
Who is the woman on the half dollar?
The designs from 1794 to 1947 showed a woman symbolizing liberty on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse. 1947 was the last year that Liberty appeared on a U.S. circulating coin. From 1916 to 1947, the Mint produced the “Walking Liberty” half dollar designed by Adolph A. Weinman.