A half dollar, a coin that has been minted in America since 1794, and is one of the most historical denominations of coins in American history. Despite this, most collectors think of them as being a bit boring with how modern the series is. Regardless, there is a very interesting history that surrounds them, even though they have only been minted for just over 50 years! The story of the Kennedy half-dollar and its creation goes all the way back to 1963 with the death of President Kennedy. Amazingly, just a few hours after he was assassinated on that very fateful, November 22ed 1963 they were already thinking of producing a coin in his honor, where his wife Jackline choose the design to be on the half dollar. First minted on February 22ed 1964, the coins were an instant hit and extremely popular to the public, so much so that the mint sold out of their supply the first day they were released. In 1964, the first year they were minted they were composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, and after that point, from 1965 until 1970 they were produced of silver clad, being 60% copper and just 40% silver. Afer that point, they were composed of a copper-nickel clad which consists of 75% copper and just 25% nickel. They were produced for circulation until 2001 where they were made only for collectors and sold at a premium, and were not intended for circulation and are oftentimes referred to as NIFC coins by collectors. Amazingly, the original inspiration for the design of this coin was from President Kennedys Inaugural Medal, which was produced out of 14k gold and was originally designed by Paul Manship. This medal was liked by President Kennedy so much, that he actually kept it on his desk in the oval office during his presidency.
This reverse of this classic design was created by Frank Gasparro, who was first born in 1909 and later became a junior assistant, and eventually an engraver at the US mint. He is well known for his work with this coin, and many others such as the Eisenhower dollar, and the Susan B Anthony dollar. The obverse of the coin was designed by Gilroy Roberts. He was born in 1905 and had a knack for art from the start, where he eventually became the chief engraver at the US mint, while it was while serving this position he designed the obverse of the Kennedy half dollar. He became very famous for his work on this coin, where he would go on to design much more coins and medals throughout his life. Although they do not circulate very much, you can still get them from banks for their face value, and if you are lucky you might even get a really nice one! Other than this, as far as the series goes you can get the silver versions for a low premium over their melt value, where even the proof versions are not too expensive either! Kennedy half dollars are one of the most amazing series of coinage that has ever been produced in America, where they honor one of the nations greatest presidents. Their history, despite being recent is fascinating; which will hopefully help the series and the denomination as a whole stay in front of the American public. By: Brandon Spiegel, Owner, and Founder of Let's Start A Coin Collection file:///C:/Users/brand/Downloads/google1e750597dd8642a3%20(3).html
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Author: Brandon Spiegel.
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