John F. Kennedy is the person featured on the obverse (heads) of the half dollar coin. He has been on the half dollar since 1964, shortly after his assassination in November of 1963. Kennedy was the 35th President of the United States, and the first Catholic to be elected to the office.
The design of the half dollar features a portrait of Kennedy facing left, with the word “LIBERTY” above his head and the date of his birth and death, “1917-1963”, below. The reverse (tails) of the coin features the Presidential Seal, which was designed by President Eisenhower in 1955. The seal features an eagle with a shield on its chest, holding an olive branch in one talon and arrows in the other. Above the eagle is a constellation of stars, and the Latin phrase “E Pluribus Unum”, which translates to “Out of Many, One”.
The half dollar was first issued in 1794, and has featured a variety of designs over the years. It was originally intended to be used as a circulating coin, but due to its large size and high silver content, it was quickly replaced by smaller coins. It was not until the Kennedy half dollar was introduced in 1964 that the half dollar regained its popularity.
The Kennedy half dollar has become a symbol of the legacy of John F. Kennedy. It is a reminder of his life and accomplishments, and of the hope and optimism that he inspired in the American people. It is also a reminder of the tragedy of his assassination, and of the pain and sorrow that it caused.
The Kennedy half dollar has been issued in both silver and copper-nickel versions. The silver version was issued from 1964 to 1970, and was made of 90% silver and 10% copper. The copper-nickel version has been issued since 1971, and is made of 75% copper and 25% nickel.
The Kennedy half dollar has been used in a variety of commemorative coins, including the Apollo 11 half dollar, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial half dollar, and the American Revolution Bicentennial half dollar. It has also been used in a variety of collectible coins, including the Kennedy Half Dollar Silver Proof Set, the Kennedy Half Dollar Silver Uncirculated Set, and the Kennedy Half Dollar Gold Proof Set.
The Kennedy half dollar is a lasting reminder of the life and legacy of John F. Kennedy. It is a symbol of hope, optimism, and resilience, and a reminder of the tragedy of his assassination. It is a coin that will continue to be treasured for generations to come.
The Kennedy half dollar is a popular coin among collectors, and its value is determined by its condition, mint mark, and date. It is a coin that is sure to remain a part of American history for many years to come.