The Kennedy half dollar is one of the most iconic modern United States Mint coins. It was first struck in 1964 to honor President John F. Kennedy following his assassination in 1963. Throughout the years, the Kennedy half dollar has seen various iterations and special editions. Still, one of the most notable is the 50th Anniversary Gold Kennedy half dollar, which was released in 2014.
Historical Context of the Gold Kennedy Half Dollar
The Kennedy half dollar was issued as a tribute to the 35th President of the United States, John Fitzgerald Kennedy. The Benjamin Franklin half dollar had been struck since 1948, less than the 25-year tenure required by the Coinage Act of 1890. The coin’s design was fast-tracked following his assassination, with the first coins being struck in early 1964 after the mint staff were given just four weeks to prepare a design for the coin. The original issues were composed of Constitutional silver, but due to rising silver prices, the composition was changed to a copper-nickel cladding in 1971.
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Kennedy half dollar, the United States Mint released a special gold commemorative Kennedy half dollar. The release was part of a broader set of commemorative issues, including silver and clad versions, but the gold half dollar stood out due to its precious metal content and a limited mintage of 75,000 pieces.
Design and Specifications of the Gold Kennedy Half Dollar
The 50th Anniversary Kennedy Gold Half Dollar is notable for several reasons:
- Composition: The coin is made of .9999 fine gold, marking a significant departure from the traditional silver and copper-nickel clad compositions of previous Kennedy half dollars.
- Weight: The coin has ¾ oz of gold, which is a substantial weight for a half dollar.
- Mint Mark: The coin was minted at the West Point Mint, which is known for producing high-quality commemorative and bullion coins. It carries the “W” mint mark to indicate this origin.
Obverse Design
The obverse of the gold Kennedy half dollar features the original 1964 design by Gilroy Roberts. This includes a left-facing portrait of President Kennedy based on a bust sculpted by Roberts. While the circulation strikes have a standard relief, the 50th anniversary gold Kennedy half dollar features a high relief design. The dual date “1964-2014” is inscribed below the portrait, marking the 50th anniversary of the coin’s introduction. The inscriptions “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” are also present, as they are on all Kennedy half dollars.
Reverse Design
The coin’s reverse, designed by Frank Gasparro, depicts the Presidential Seal. This design includes an eagle with a shield on its chest, holding an olive branch and arrows in its talons, symbolizing peace and strength. Above the eagle’s head is a ring of stars, representing the original thirteen colonies. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “HALF DOLLAR” encircle the design.
The 50th Anniversary Kennedy Gold Half Dollar is a coin that combines historical significance with precious metal content and an iconic American design. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a newcomer to numismatics, this coin can present a valuable and meaningful addition to any collection. Its limited mintage and high-quality production make it a standout piece that honors the enduring legacy of President John F. Kennedy.