United States Of America Half Dollar 1776 To 1976
Introduction
The United States of America Half Dollar, also known as the Kennedy Half Dollar, is a coin that has been in circulation since 1964. It was first minted to honor the late President John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1963. The coin has since become a popular collectible item, with some enthusiasts cherishing rare editions of the coin. However, the Half Dollar has a much longer history than just the Kennedy coin. This article will delve into the history of the United States of America Half Dollar from 1776 to 1976.
The Early Years
The first United States of America Half Dollar was minted in 1794, twenty years after the country declared its independence from Great Britain. The coin was made of silver and had a face value of fifty cents. However, it did not immediately gain popularity, as other coins such as the Spanish dollar were still in circulation. It was not until the early 1800s that the Half Dollar began to gain more widespread use.
In 1836, the United States Mint began to produce a new version of the Half Dollar, which was smaller in size and made of a different composition. This new coin was made of 90% silver and 10% copper, and had a face value of fifty cents. It was much easier to handle and quickly became a popular coin among Americans. The Half Dollar continued to be minted in this form for many years, with only minor changes in design.
The Kennedy Half Dollar
In 1964, the United States Mint began to produce a new version of the Half Dollar to honor the late President John F. Kennedy. The coin featured Kennedy's portrait on the obverse side and the Presidential Seal on the reverse side. This new Half Dollar was made of 90% silver and 10% copper, just like its predecessor.
The Kennedy Half Dollar quickly became a popular collectible item, with many people buying the coin as a way to remember the late President. However, the coin's popularity also led to a shortage of silver, as many people were hoarding the coins rather than spending them. In 1971, the United States Mint stopped using silver in the production of the Half Dollar, instead switching to a composition of copper and nickel.
Other Half Dollars
While the Kennedy Half Dollar may be the most well-known version of the coin, there have been many other Half Dollars produced throughout the years. In the early 1900s, the United States Mint produced a series of Half Dollars featuring different figures from American history, such as George Washington and Benjamin Franklin. These coins are now highly sought-after by collectors.
In the 1930s, the United States Mint produced a series of Half Dollars featuring images of famous Americans, such as Daniel Boone and Christopher Columbus. These coins were also highly collectible and are still sought-after by collectors today.
Conclusion
The United States of America Half Dollar has a long and fascinating history, spanning from the country's early years to modern times. While the Kennedy Half Dollar may be the most well-known version of the coin, there have been many other Half Dollars produced throughout the years, each with their own unique design and history. Whether you are a collector or simply interested in the history of the United States, the Half Dollar is a fascinating coin that is well worth exploring.