The half dollar is a United States coin with a face value of fifty cents, equal to half a dollar. It is the largest commonly produced U.S. circulating coin by diameter, noticeably bigger than a quarter and heavier by mass. The modern half dollar is most often associated with the Kennedy portrait introduced in the 1960s, but the denomination has a long lineage in American coinage.
Physical traits and value
In everyday terms a half dollar equals 50 pennies, 10 nickels, 5 dimes, or 2 quarters. Its diameter is approximately 1.2 inches and its thickness is a few hundredths of an inch, making it easy to distinguish by size and feel. Over time its metal composition has changed, affecting weight and color; modern examples are copper-nickel clad, while some older issues contain substantial silver.
Composition and design changes
- Designs: The current obverse shows President John F. Kennedy; previous designs included other historical figures and motifs.
- Metal composition: Early half dollars were struck in high percentages of silver, later reduced, and eventually replaced by a standard copper-nickel clad for general circulation.
- Size and weight: While dimensions have been broadly consistent, small adjustments accompanied composition changes.
History and development
The half dollar denomination dates back to the early years of the United States mint. The Kennedy half dollar was introduced shortly after President Kennedy's assassination and first appeared in 1964. Because 1964 coins retained a high silver content, they attracted public demand. Later composition changes reflected rising metal costs and shifting policy.
Circulation, uses, and collecting
Half dollars remain legal tender and are still produced, but they are seen less often in everyday transactions than smaller denominations. Many banks do not stock large quantities, so obtaining rolls often involves special orders. Collectors value particular years, mint marks, and silver-content issues. The coin is used for vending machines, commemorative sets, souvenir rolls, and numismatic study.
Further reading and resources
For official specifications, historical summaries, and current minting notices see resources from the mint and numismatic organizations: official mint specifications, circulation guidance, denomination information, and value comparisons. Additional articles cover coin equivalence (nickel comparison, quarter comparison) and the Kennedy portrait (Kennedy design, biographical context). For minting history and year-by-year changes consult mint history, composition timelines, and collector guides.