Although the Mint greatly increased production, the denomination was seldom seen in circulation. The silver coins were hoarded upon their release in March 1964 by collectors and those interested in a memento of the late president. Use of existing works by Mint sculptors Gilroy Roberts and Frank Gasparro allowed dies to be prepared quickly, and striking of the new coins began in January 1964. Kennedy, it was authorized by Congress just over a month after his death.
Intended as a memorial to the assassinated 35th president of the United States John F. The Kennedy half dollar, first minted in 1964, is a fifty-cent coin issued by the United States Mint. Mint mark omitted on all coins from 1965 to 1967 and on Philadelphia Mint issues before 1980. Mint mark located beneath where the eagle's claws grasp the olive branch on reverse for 1964 coins and for 1964-2014-W gold issue above the date on the obverse for all other issues. 'W' mint mark only on 2014 commemorative issue. Silver proofs since 2019: 99.9% fine, 0.37 troy oz
Outer layer of 75% copper, 25% nickel clad to pure copper core.ġ965–1970: outer layer of 80% silver, 20% copper clad to core of 79% copper, 21% silver totaling 60% copper, 40% silver.Ģ014 commemorative version: 0.999 fine gold, 0.75 troy oz
