Coin specifications and design
Design identification
Obverse: John F. Kennedy portrait.
Reverse: Presidential seal eagle design on the regular half dollar reverse.
U.S. Mint coin reference
1965-1970 Kennedy Half Dollar 40% Silver
Kennedy 40% Silver 1965-1970 reduced-silver Kennedy half dollars.
Kennedy Half Dollar - 40% Silver history
After the 90% silver Kennedy half dollar debuted in 1964, rising silver prices and a nationwide coin shortage led Congress to reduce the coin’s precious-metal content. Kennedy halves dated 1965 through 1970 used a layered composition containing 40% silver overall. These coins preserved some silver in the half dollar even as dimes and quarters switched entirely to copper-nickel clad. Beginning in 1971, regular Kennedy half dollars also became copper-nickel clad.