Kennedy Half Dollars (90% Silver)
Kennedy Half Dollars of the first variety (90% Silver) were coined at the US Mint in 1964. The decision to make this coin came after President Kennedy was assassinated on November 22, 1963. Mint Director Eva Adams and her advisory board concluded that the Half Dollar would change designs. Immediately, both Gilroy Roberts and Frank Gasparro began working feverishly on the task to complete it before the new year.
Another obstacle was set for Eva Adams to get this coin produced. Currently, under existing law, U. S. coin designs could not be changed
more often than every 25 years. The Franklin half dollars were only in existence for 16 years and their replacement would quite literally require an act of Congress. However, as of December 30, 1963 this was done and the Kennedy Half became
a reality.
This coin was modeled after the Mint list medal for President John F. Kennedy and has his portrait on the obverse. The inscriptions read "LIBERTY" and "IN GOD WE TRUST".
The reverse bears the Presidential Seal that was used on Kennedy's medal as well as other Mint medals.
The coin reads "UNITED STATES OF
AMERICA" and "HALF DOLLAR" as well.
Coin Specifications:
Designer: Gilroy Roberts
Weight: 12.50 grams
Comp: 90.0% Silver, 10.0% Copper
Diameter: 30.6mm
Edge: Reeded
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