In the world of collecting, numismatics often carries an extra level of excitement, especially when it comes to coins. This is evident in the interest shown in each and every unique coin that has ever been in circulation in the United States. Such is the case with the Kennedy half dollar, which commemorates his assassination in 1963. A year after his death, it was put into circulation, and those coins minted between 1964 and 1970 have become collectible items with a value of $15,000. It is still in circulation today, but between 1975 and 1976 there was a design variation celebrating the bicentennial of the Declaration of Independence.
No, not all examples of this coin have the same value, as the earlier ones have a composition of 90% silver, which was later reduced to 40%. In 1971, the Mint removed the silver and replaced it with clad copper-nickel, reason why the first ones can cost up to $15,000 and the ones produced after may only cost around $5.
Collecting and numismatics
The world of collecting includes a wide variety of items (almost as many as one can imagine); however, numismatics is usually the one that generates the most interest. Numismatics is defined as the study of the collection of coins, banknotes, and medals. Since the 19th century, this practice has been present among enthusiasts of collecting, valuing rare and historical pieces, whose value depends on factors such as age, unique flaws, condition, and the rarity of their uniqueness.
This enthusiasm can also be seen with Kennedy half-dollar coins, which commemorate the president’s assassination in 1963. A year after his death, in 1964, this 50-cent coin was released to honor the memory of John F. Kennedy. Its circulation from then until now has only been interrupted once, between 1975 and 1976, when the Mint decided that, temporarily, the reverse of this coin would depict Independence Hall in Philadelphia to celebrate the bicentennial of the Declaration of Independence.
Kennedy Half Dollar Design
The design of this coin is not random at all; it is full of symbolism. On the reverse, the presidential seal can be seen in the center, showing an American eagle clutching an olive branch and 13 arrows, surrounded by the phrase “E Pluribus Unum.” The obverse features a profile of the president with the inscriptions “Liberty” and “In God We Trust.” Today, few specimens are found in perfect condition, and it is precisely this, along with its design, that collectors value in this coin.
Value Variations
It is important to know that not all Kennedy half-dollar coins have the same value. This is due to variations in their composition, which resulted in two types of coins. In 1964, when the original minting took place, 90% of the coin was made of silver. As production continued, this silver percentage was reduced to 40%. Furthermore, in 1971, the Mint removed the silver and replaced it with clad copper-nickel. These changes have resulted in several types of coins, with the earliest versions being the most prized. While later versions may be worth $5, those from the 1964 minting can reach $15,000 at auction.
Recently, the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia announced the discontinuation of penny production, meaning the United States will have to say goodbye to pennies after more than 200 years. Find out what will happen to the ones still in circulation and the value they are expected to have at auctions!