The current United States fifty-cent coin, also known as the half dollar, features a portrait of President John F. Kennedy on the obverse (heads side). This design was introduced in 1964 as a memorial to the assassinated president.
Prior to the Kennedy half dollar, other figures and designs have appeared on the half dollar:
- 1948-1963: The Franklin half dollar featured Benjamin Franklin on the obverse.
- Before 1948: Various depictions of Lady Liberty appeared on the half dollar. These included the Flowing Hair, Draped Bust, Capped Bust, Seated Liberty, Barber, and Walking Liberty designs.
The reverse (tails side) of the Kennedy half dollar features a modified version of the Presidential Seal, with a heraldic eagle holding an olive branch and arrows, surrounded by a ring of 50 stars. A temporary reverse design, featuring Independence Hall, was used in 1975 and 1976 to commemorate the United States Bicentennial.
Who was on the 50 Cent coin before Kennedy?
Good point! 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 person 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 on the 1972 50-cent piece?
This Kennedy Half Dollar from 1972 is a rare and valuable addition to any coin collection. The coin features a portrait of President John F. Kennedy on the obverse and the Presidential Seal on the reverse. It has been circulated and is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel over a pure copper center.
Who is the lady on the half dollar?
From my experience, 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.