Kennedy Half Dollars

The Kennedy Half Dollar coin was introduced just months after the tragic assassination of the 35th president of the United States.  The 1964 coins are the only Kennedy Half Dollars produced from 90% silver.  JFK's widow, Jacqueline Kennedy, said she preferred her husband be pictured on the Half Dollar coin as she felt George Washington should remain on the Quarter.  The first Kennedy Hal Dollar coins were struck on January 30, 1964.  They went on sale March 24th and quickly sold out.  Few had a chance to go into circulation.  Instead, they were kept by collectors and others who wanted a keepsake of the popular president.  In 1965, the US Treasury changed the composition of the coins to 40% silver (known as silver clad).  In 1971, silver was eliminated from the half dollar completely.  Kennedy Half Dollar coins are still produced today.  Though they are not often seen in circulation, they are still popular with collectors.