Have you ever seen a half-dollar coin of the U.S. and thought, who's on it? Today, it shows President John F. Kennedy. His face has been on the coin since 1964, after his death. But he’s not the only one—many faces have appeared on the half dollar over the years. Let’s have a quick journey into its past and why some of these coins are worth more than 50 cents in this blog, starting with their introduction.
The Kennedy half dollar was first made in 1964 to honor President John F. Kennedy after his assassination. The front of the coin shows Kennedy’s face, designed by Gilroy Roberts, and the back shows the U.S. Presidential Seal, designed by Frank Gasparro. This coin quickly became popular as a tribute to the 35th President of the United States.
The coin’s metal content has changed over time. In 1964, it was made of 90% silver. From 1965 to 1970, it was reduced to 40% silver because silver prices were rising. Since 1971, most half dollars have been made of nickel and copper. Yet, some special collector coins still contain silver. These changes show how the U.S. Mint adjusted to financial swings and the value of silver.
The half dollar, or 50-cent piece, is a U.S. coin worth half a dollar. It was first created in 1794, making it one of the oldest coins in the U.S. Over the years, its design has changed many times, with the Kennedy and Bicentennial half dollars being two of the most famous. Today’s half dollar is the largest coin still made for circulation. It’s about 30.6 mm wide, weighs around 11.34 grams, and has grooved edges in order to avoid getting counterfeited. Older silver versions were slightly heavier.
Even though the U.S. Mint still makes half dollars every year, they’re rarely seen in everyday use. Unless someone asks, most banks don't hold them, and those that do tend to save them rather than use them. After 2001, the Mint stopped making them for regular use and only sold them to collectors. Production for circulation started again in 2021, but they’re still hard to find. Collectors and investors especially value the older silver half dollars.
This was the very first half dollar made by the United States. On the front of the coin, there is a picture of Lady Liberty. Her hair is long and flowing, not tied up. That’s why it’s called “Flowing Hair Liberty.”
On the back of the coin, there is a small eagle standing inside a wreath (a circle made of leaves). This coin was only made for two years, in 1794 and 1795.
Why the Change?
This design by Robert Scot wasn’t popular. People wanted a more elegant version of Liberty.
This coin showed Lady Liberty with her hair tied back and wearing loose, flowing clothes, like a gown. The design was based on drawings by a famous artist named Gilbert Stuart.
At first, the back of the coin had a small eagle, but later it was changed to a bigger, stronger-looking eagle with a shield on its chest. This style of eagle is called a "heraldic eagle," and it looks more official and powerful.
Why the Change?
The new design looked more graceful and formal. It also used a more official U.S. symbol.
In this version, Lady Liberty is shown wearing a soft cap on her head. The cap has the word “LIBERTY” written on it. Her clothes look more detailed compared to earlier coins.
On the back of the coin, there is a bigger eagle. The eagle has a shield on its chest, arrows in one claw (showing strength), and an olive branch in the other (showing peace). This design was used for many years.
Why the Change?
This was part of a Mint-wide redesign to improve coin art. In 1836, steam presses made the coin slightly smaller with a grooved edge.
In this design, Lady Liberty is sitting on a rock. She holds a shield in one hand to show she is ready to protect the country, and in the other hand, she holds a pole with a liberty cap on top, which stands for freedom.
On the back of the coin, there is a strong heraldic eagle with a shield on its chest, showing strength and pride. This design was used for over 50 years.
Why the Change?
This design gave U.S. coins a clean, modern look and matched new silver standards set by the Coinage Act of 1837. It stayed in use for over 50 years.
In this coin, Lady Liberty is shown from the side (called a profile view). She is wearing a crown made of leaves, also known as a wreath. This design was created by Charles Barber, which is why it's called the "Barber" coin.
On the back of the coin, there is the familiar strong eagle with a shield, arrows, and an olive branch, showing both power and peace.
Why the Change?
After 25 years, the Seated Liberty was outdated. A new design by Charles Barber replaced it after a failed public contest.
In this design, Lady Liberty is shown walking forward toward the rising sun. She holds branches of laurel and oak, which stand for peace and strength. The U.S. flag is draped around her shoulders, showing patriotism.
On the back of the coin, there is a large, powerful eagle standing on a rock with its wings partly open, ready to take flight. This design is one of the most loved in U.S. coin history.
Why the Change?
The Mint wanted more artistic coins. Sculptor Adolph A. Weinman’s design won a competition and became a much-loved symbol, lasting through two World Wars.
This was the first half dollar to show a real person instead of Lady Liberty. It features Benjamin Franklin, one of America’s Founding Fathers, on the front of the coin.
On the back, there is the Liberty Bell, which stands for American freedom. Next to the bell, there is a small eagle, included to follow a rule that U.S. coins must have an eagle on them.
Why the Change?
The older design had reached 25 years. Mint Director Nellie Tayloe Ross wanted to honor Franklin, and the design by John Sinnock was approved.
After President John F. Kennedy was tragically assassinated in 1963, the U.S. decided to honor him by placing his face on the half dollar coin starting in 1964. The front of the coin, featuring Kennedy’s profile, was designed by artist Gilroy Roberts.
On the back, artist Frank Gasparro created the design, which includes the Presidential Seal with an eagle and a shield. This coin has been in use ever since, making it one of the longest-running designs.
Why the Change?
The public wanted a tribute to JFK. Although the Franklin coin was only 15 years old, Congress quickly approved the change. The coin became extremely popular. Jacqueline Kennedy helped fine-tune the design to honor her husband properly.
These design changes show how the half dollar has told America’s story—through art, symbols, and great historical figures.
The U.S. half dollar has a long history that started in 1794, when the first coin was made by the U.S. Mint. This first design, called the Flowing Hair half dollar, was made by Robert Scot. It showed Lady Liberty with long hair on the front and a small eagle on the back. Just two years later, in 1796, it was replaced by the Draped Bust design, which looked more polished and detailed.
In the 1800s, the coin’s design changed a few more times, with versions like the Capped Bust and Seated Liberty. These designs reflected the style and culture of each time period. A big change came in 1948, when the Franklin half dollar was introduced. This was the first time a real person— Benjamin Franklin—appeared on the coin, along with the Liberty Bell on the back. It was used until 1963.
In 1964, the Kennedy half dollar was released to honor President John F. Kennedy after his death. It has been made ever since and is one of the most well-known U.S. coins. Its popularity continues today, both because of JFK’s legacy and the coin’s classic look.
The half dollar has featured many beautiful designs over the years, thanks to the work of skilled artists and engravers at the U.S. Mint. Here are the main people behind these famous coins:
These artists helped shape U.S. coin history, and their work is still admired by collectors today.
One big factor that adds value to a half dollar (besides its 50¢ face value) is the metal it's made from. Over time, the U.S. Mint changed the metal mix, mostly because silver prices kept going up.
The first half dollars were made from a mix of silver and copper — about 89.24% silver.
From 1837, U.S. silver coins were made with 90% silver and 10% copper. This includes the Seated Liberty, Barber, Walking Liberty, Franklin, and the first Kennedy half (1964). Each has about 0.3617 troy ounces of silver. These are popular with collectors and silver investors.
To save silver, the U.S. reduced silver in half dollars to 40%. These coins have a copper core and outer layers with 80% silver and 20% copper. Each has about 0.1479 troy ounces of silver. They still look silver on the outside. The 1970-D was the last one and was made only for collectors, not for public use.
From 1971, half dollars for everyday use were made with copper inside and a copper-nickel mix on the outside (same as today’s dimes and quarters). They have no silver and are worth just 50¢ unless they are rare, proof, or uncirculated. These coins often show a copper-colored line on the edge.
Knowing what metal your coin is made of helps you figure out its real value.
Mint marks are important on half-dollar coins. They show which U.S. Mint made the coin. The main mints are:
Mint marks can affect a coin’s value, especially if the coin is rare or has an error.
For example, the 1970-D Kennedy half dollar from the Denver Mint is valuable because few were made and it wasn’t released for regular use. Coins from the San Francisco Mint are often proof coins, made for collectors with high detail and shine.
Grading companies like PCGS look at mint marks when checking a coin’s grade and authenticity, which makes them even more important to collectors.
Half-dollar coins are fun and valuable for collectors. From old rare coins to modern errors, there’s something for everyone.
Coins like the 1796 and 1797 Draped Bust halves are very rare. The 1838-O Capped Bust half is extremely rare—only about 20 were made at the New Orleans Mint. Any half dollar before 1839 is hard to find and valuable.
All are 90% silver, but some are much rarer. Look for 1916-S, 1921-P, 1921-D (lowest mintage at 208,000), and 1921-S. The 1938-D is also important. These are worth much more, especially in good condition.
No very rare dates, but collectors like coins with “ Full Bell Lines (FBL)” on the Liberty Bell. The 1955 “Bugs Bunny” error coin is popular—it shows marks on Franklin’s mouth that look like teeth.
Other small errors and proof types exist. Checking coin dates and designs closely can uncover valuable finds
The value of a half dollar depends on its metal and how rare it is.
Many half dollars are worth more than 50 cents because they have silver.
Some coins are valuable because they are rare, in great condition, or in high demand.
For exact prices, use a coin guide like PCGS or NGC, or ask a trusted coin dealer.
Dollar coins are not used often in daily life, but they are still important in U.S. money.
The Kennedy half dollar has come in different versions over the years:
Clad coins for regular use.
Silver coins made for collectors.
A gold coin made in 2014 for the 50th anniversary.
Even with digital payments becoming more common, dollar coins and half dollars are still loved by collectors. People enjoy their history, design, and the excitement of finding rare types.
Half-dollar coins are not common in change, but here’s where you can find them:
Finding half dollars can take more time than finding quarters, but searching for silver or rare coins makes it exciting for collectors.
The U.S. half dollar coin is more than just 50 cents. It’s a piece of American history, showing changes in art, politics, and economics over 200+ years. From early Liberty designs to portraits of Benjamin Franklin and John F. Kennedy, each design tells part of the nation’s story.
Whether you’re interested in silver content, classic designs, or finding key dates and varieties, the half dollar is a great coin for collectors.
Explore the world of half dollars today! You might be surprised by their history and value.
Yes, Kennedy half dollars are still produced each year, but mainly for collectors. They were not released for circulation from 2002-2020, but since 2021, a few are being made for circulation again.
Several reasons: Many were hoarded after the 1964 release, and later coins were pulled for their silver value. Their large size also made them less convenient for vending machines, and people stopped using them in daily commerce.
The front features John F. Kennedy and the back has the Presidential Seal. This design has been used since 1964.
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