Kennedy 50c 90% Silver, 1964, 1992-2018 PR [Type]

Designers: Obverse: Gilroy Roberts; Reverse: Frank Gasparro. Weight: 12.5 grams. Composition: .900 silver, .100 copper (net weight .36169 oz. pure silver). Starting in 2019, silver Proofs are .999 fine. Diameter: 30.6 mm. Edge: Reeded. Mints: Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco, West Point.

Key to Collecting: Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963, his successor in the office, Lyndon B. Johnson, and others, were enthusiastic about memorializing him on the half dollar. This was done, and the Franklin issue was terminated far short of the standard 25-year minimum then in effect for designs of circulating coins (the same thing happened in 1930 when the relatively shortlived Standing Liberty quarter was ended). Kennedy half dollars were immediately popular not only in the United States but all over the world. Vast quantities were hoarded. Only in the first year, when pieces were made at both Philadelphia and Denver, was the .900 fine silver alloy used for general circulation, thus for a long time 1964 was considered to constitute the short-lived type. However, beginning in 1992 at the San Francisco Mint, silver-content Proofs of this style were made for collectors, a surprising continuation of this type. The U.S. Mint marked the 50th year of the Kennedy half dollar in 2014 with silver coins struck as a Proof, a Reverse Proof, an Enhanced Uncirculated strike, and an Uncirculated strike. Circulated examples of 1964 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 quite well struck.

Proof Coins: Plentiful, well struck, and usually attractive. Those of 1964 were struck at the Philadelphia Mint. Silver Proofs from 1992 to date have been struck at the San Francisco Mint. In 1998, a special Matte Proof silver Kennedy half dollar was struck for inclusion in the Robert F. Kennedy commemorative coin set. The Reverse Proof of the 2014 50th Anniversary set was struck at West Point. In 2019 the Mint changed the silver fineness of its Proof dimes, quarters, and half dollars from .900 to .999.