The Kennedy half dollar, first minted in 1964, is a fifty-cent coin issued by the United States Mint. Intended as a memorial to the assassinated 35th president of the United States John F. Kennedy, it was authorized by Congress just over a month after his death. 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.
Mint Director Eva Adams, seen here on her medal (designed by Gasparro) was instrumental in the issuance of the Kennedy half dollar.
A 1969 United States Mint Proof set of 5 coins including the 40% silver Kennedy half dollar in centre
Half dollar Bicentennial reverse
People line up to buy the new gold Kennedy half dollar, August 2014
Half dollar (United States coin)
The half dollar, sometimes referred to as the half for short or 50-cent piece, is a United States coin worth 50 cents, or one half of a dollar. In both size and weight, it is the largest United States circulating coin currently produced, being 1.205 inches in diameter and 0.085 in (2.16 mm) in thickness, and is twice the weight of the quarter. The coin's design has undergone a number of changes throughout its history. 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.
Various half dollar designs. From left to right: Bicentennial, Kennedy, Franklin, Walking Liberty