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
1964 Kennedy Half Dollar
Kennedy Half Dollar 1964 90% silver and regular Kennedy half guide.
Kennedy Half Dollar history
The Kennedy half dollar was created quickly after President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in November 1963. Gilroy Roberts adapted his Kennedy portrait for the obverse, while Frank Gasparro designed the presidential seal-inspired reverse. The first 1964 coins were 90% silver, followed by 40% silver issues from 1965 through 1970 and copper-nickel clad coins beginning in 1971. A special Independence Hall reverse was used for the dual-dated 1776-1976 Bicentennial issue.