Kennedy 50c 40% Silver, 1965-1970, 1976 PR [Type]

Designers: Obverse: Gilroy Roberts; Reverse: Frank Gasparro. Weight: 11.5 grams. Composition: Outer layers of .800 silver and .200 copper bonded to inner core of .209 silver, .791 copper (net weight .1479 oz. pure silver). Diameter: 30.6 mm. Edge: Reeded. Mints: Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco.

Key to Collecting: This type is the same as the preceding, except that a different composition was used, consisting of a planchet with an outer layer of 80% silver and 20% copper, bonded to an inner core of 79.1% copper and 20.9% silver. These figures seem a bit odd until the entire coin is considered—the clad exterior as well as the mostly copper interior; taken as a whole, the half dollars of this type are 40% silver and 60% copper. At the time the price of silver was rising rapidly on the international markets, making it unfeasible to use the old 90% silver alloy throughout. Indeed, other previously silver denominations, the dime and the quarter, went completely silverless in 1965. The 40% silver composition endured through 1970. Circulated coins are very common, but not relevant for type-set purposes as Mint State and Proof coins are plentiful and inexpensive.

Aspects of Striking and Appearance: Usually well struck and attractive.

Proof Coins: Plentiful, but made only from 1968 to 1970 for this type, at the San Francisco Mint.