In the United States, the president featured on the 50 cent coin (also known as the half dollar) is John F. Kennedy.
Here’s why and some additional details:
- Honoring Kennedy: The Kennedy Half Dollar was first minted in 1964, shortly after President John F. Kennedy’s assassination in 1963, as a memorial to him.
- Obverse (heads side): The obverse side of the coin features a profile portrait of President Kennedy, based on a design originally used for his Presidential Medal.
- Reverse (tails side): The reverse side of the Kennedy half dollar generally depicts the Presidential Seal, showcasing a heraldic eagle holding an olive branch (symbolizing peace) and a bundle of 13 arrows (symbolizing war).
Note: While Benjamin Franklin was featured on the half dollar before Kennedy (from 1948 to 1963), the current and most recognizable image on the 50-cent coin is President John F. Kennedy.
Who was on the 50 Cent coin before Kennedy?
Thanks for asking. 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.
What presidents have been on the 50 Cent piece?
Thanks for asking. In 1964, the Mint switched the half dollar design to honor President John F. Kennedy who died the year before. He has been on the obverse ever since. The reverse has shown the Presidential Seal design except in 1975 and 1976.
Is John F. Kennedy on the 50 Cent 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 the lady on the half dollar?
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.