John F Kennedy Half Dollar Collection Starting 1964
Introduction
The John F Kennedy Half Dollar is a coin that was introduced in the United States in 1964. It was created to commemorate the life and legacy of President John F Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1963. The coin has a face value of 50 cents and is made of a mixture of copper and nickel. It is still in circulation today and is a popular coin among collectors.
The Design
The design of the John F Kennedy Half Dollar features a portrait of President Kennedy on the obverse side. This portrait was designed by Gilroy Roberts and Frank Gasparro. The reverse side of the coin features the presidential seal. The design is simple yet elegant, and it has become an iconic symbol of President Kennedy's legacy.
The First Year of Production
The first year of production for the John F Kennedy Half Dollar was 1964. The coin was released on March 24th of that year, just a few months after President Kennedy's assassination. The release of the coin was met with great enthusiasm, and it quickly became a popular item among collectors.
The Silver Coins
The John F Kennedy Half Dollar was originally made of 90% silver and 10% copper. These coins were only produced from 1964 to 1970. In 1971, the composition of the coin was changed to a mixture of copper and nickel. The silver coins are highly sought after by collectors and can be quite valuable.
The Bicentennial Coins
In 1975 and 1976, the United States Mint released special bicentennial coins to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the country's independence. The John F Kennedy Half Dollar was one of the coins that received a special design. The obverse side of the coin features a portrait of President Kennedy, while the reverse side features an image of Independence Hall in Philadelphia.
The Proof Coins
The United States Mint also produces special proof coins for collectors. These coins are made with a higher level of detail and are struck multiple times to give them a mirror-like finish. The John F Kennedy Half Dollar is one of the coins that is available in a proof version. These coins are highly collectible and can be quite valuable.
The Mint Marks
The John F Kennedy Half Dollar has been produced at several different United States Mint facilities over the years. Each facility puts a unique mark on the coin to indicate where it was produced. Some of the mint marks that collectors look for include "D" for Denver, "S" for San Francisco, and "W" for West Point.
The Value of the Coins
The value of a John F Kennedy Half Dollar depends on several factors, including its condition, rarity, and year of production. Some of the most valuable coins include the 1964 silver coin, the 1970-D silver coin, and the 1975 proof coin. Collectors should always do their research and consult with experts before purchasing a valuable coin.
Conclusion
The John F Kennedy Half Dollar is a coin that has a rich history and is still popular among collectors today. Whether you are a seasoned collector or just starting out, adding a John F Kennedy Half Dollar to your collection is a great way to commemorate the life and legacy of one of America's most beloved presidents.