Hailey Johnson
The half-dollar, also known as the 50-cent piece, is a United States coin that is still minted but is seldom used today. Since 1964, the half-dollar has depicted President John F. Kennedy on one side and the seal of the president of the United States on the other. While they can be purchased directly from the U.S. Mint, they are not commonly found in banks. However, some people have reported obtaining them from banks, and banks can order them with a few days' notice.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Current availability | Uncommon in general circulation |
| Current production | Mint resumed production for general circulation in 2021 |
| Current design | "Kennedy" theme, depicting President John F. Kennedy on the obverse and the Presidential Seal on the reverse |
| Dimensions | 1.205 inches (30.61 millimeters) in diameter and 0.085 inches (2.16 millimeters) in thickness |
| Weight | Twice the weight of a quarter |
| Obtaining | Can be obtained from local banks and credit unions, coin dealers, numismatic shops, online platforms, and the U.S. Mint |
| Historical production | Produced in large quantities until 2002; primarily minted for collectors from 2001 to 2020 due to low demand |
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What You'll Learn
Half dollars are uncommon in circulation
Half dollars, also known as 50-cent pieces, are the largest circulating coins in the United States. They measure 1.205 inches (30.61 millimeters) in diameter and 0.085 inches (2.16 millimeters) in thickness and are twice the weight of a quarter.
Half-dollar coins were once common in circulation and saw regular use alongside other denominations of US coinage. However, they have become uncommon in general circulation for several reasons. By the end of the 1970s, the half-dollar had become uncommon in circulation. Merchants stopped ordering half dollars from their banks, and many banks stopped ordering them from the Federal Reserve, causing the US mints to sharply reduce their production.
The decline in the use of half-dollar coins can be attributed to various factors. One reason is the decrease in demand from casinos and other venues with slot machines, which started using coin-less slot machines. Additionally, the public's interest in the half-dollar coin waned, with many preferring other denominations of coins. The coin's design and composition have also undergone changes throughout its history, which may have contributed to its decreasing usage.
Despite the decline in circulation, half-dollar coins can still be obtained from banks and credit unions. Circulated half dollars minted from 1971 to 2001 are generally available at most American banks and credit unions. Additionally, modern-date half dollars can be purchased in proof sets, mint sets, rolls, and bags from the US Mint.
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Half dollars are minted for collectors
The half-dollar, also known as the 50-cent piece, is the largest circulating coin in the United States in terms of both size and weight. The coin was first minted in 1794 and featured an allegorical image symbolizing liberty on one side and an eagle on the other. Over the years, the design has undergone several changes. The half-dollar coin was once a common sight in circulation, but its usage gradually declined. By the end of the 1970s, merchants and banks stopped ordering half-dollars, leading to a sharp reduction in their production.
The Kennedy half-dollar, introduced in 1964, attracted widespread interest from coin collectors due to its silver content. This led to extensive hoarding of coins dated 1970 and earlier. In 1971, the composition of the half-dollar was changed to copper-nickel clad, and the coin's design was updated to feature the profile of President John F. Kennedy on one side and the seal of the President of the United States on the other. Despite this change, the usage of half-dollar coins continued to wane.
From 2001 to 2020, half-dollars were minted exclusively for collectors due to large Federal Reserve inventories of pre-2001 coins and a lack of demand. During this period, casinos also returned large quantities of half-dollars as they transitioned to "coin-less" slot machines. However, in 2021, the mint resumed production of half-dollars for general circulation as the reserve supply began to run low. Modern-date half-dollars are available for purchase from the U.S. Mint in various formats, including proof sets, mint sets, rolls, and bags.
While half-dollars intended for collectors during the 2001-2020 period can sometimes be found in circulation, their mintages are significantly lower compared to previous years. These collector coins are often sold for more than their face value and may be available through banks or credit unions with a few days' notice. However, their availability is not guaranteed, and they are typically intended for collectors rather than general circulation.
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Banks can order half dollars
Half dollars, also known as 50-cent pieces, are still minted in the United States, albeit in smaller quantities. While they are not commonly used in everyday transactions, they remain legal tender and are sought after by coin collectors.
However, some individuals have shared their experiences of successfully obtaining half dollars from banks. It is recommended to inquire at larger "chain" banks, as they may have a higher likelihood of accommodating such requests. Developing a good relationship with bank tellers and expressing your interest in coin collecting can also increase the chances of acquiring half dollars.
It is worth noting that banks may have existing inventories of half dollars or receive them through customer transactions. Therefore, it is advisable to inquire directly with your local bank branches to check their availability.
If you are specifically interested in silver half dollars, larger corporate banks with significant coin circulation are recommended. Additionally, you can trade cash for coin rolls at banks and search for rare half dollars within those rolls.
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The Kennedy half dollar design
The Kennedy half-dollar was first minted in 1964 to commemorate President John F. Kennedy after his assassination in 1963. The coin features Kennedy's profile on the obverse (heads) side and the Presidential Seal on the reverse (tails) side. The design was created by Gilroy Roberts, Chief Engraver at the Mint from 1948 to 1964, and his assistant engraver Frank Gasparro. Roberts modified the existing bust of Kennedy that he had previously created for the Kennedy medal in the Mint's Presidential series, while Gasparro made changes to the reverse side, which he had also designed for the same medal.
The decision to depict Kennedy on the half-dollar was made by Mint Director Eva Adams, who consulted with Kennedy's widow, Jacqueline Kennedy. Mrs. Kennedy preferred the half-dollar because it would not require replacing another president on the coin. The previous design of the half-dollar featured Benjamin Franklin on the obverse and the Liberty Bell on the reverse.
The Kennedy half-dollar was released to the public on March 24, 1964, just over four months after President Kennedy's assassination. The coins were hoarded by collectors and those seeking a memento of the late president, and they were seldom seen in circulation. The high demand led the Mint to increase production, but this failed to increase the circulation of the coins.
Over the years, the design of the Kennedy half-dollar has undergone subtle refinements aided by changing technology at the Mint. A special design was issued to commemorate the United States Bicentennial between 1975 and 1976, featuring a dual date (1776-1976) on the obverse and a likeness of Independence Hall in Philadelphia on the reverse. Despite the changes, the basic design executed by Roberts and Gasparro has remained largely unchanged for over 50 years.
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Half dollars are the largest circulating US coins
The half-dollar, sometimes called the half or 50-cent piece, is a United States coin worth 50 cents, or one half of a dollar. It is the largest circulating coin currently minted in the United States, measuring 1.205 inches (30.61 millimeters) in diameter and 0.085 inches (2.16 mm) in thickness. It is twice the weight of a quarter.
The half-dollar coin has undergone several design changes throughout its history. Since 1964, the coin has featured the profile of President John F. Kennedy on one side and the seal of the president of the United States on the other. The Kennedy-themed design was introduced a year after Kennedy's assassination and is based on a portrait prepared for his presidential medal. The half-dollar was first minted in 1794 and featured a woman symbolizing liberty on one side and an eagle on the other.
From 1916 to 1947, the US Mint produced the "Walking Liberty" half-dollar, designed by Adolph A. Weinman, who also designed the Mercury dime. This design depicted Liberty walking with her right arm extended, holding laurel and oak branches in her left hand, and draped in the American flag with the sun rising behind her.
In 1965, the US introduced layered-composition coins made of a pure copper core between two cupronickel outer faces. While the silver content of dimes and quarters was eliminated, the Kennedy half-dollar introduced in 1964 contained 40% silver. This attracted widespread interest from coin collectors, leading to extensive hoarding of half-dollars dated 1970 and earlier.
Half-dollars were once common in circulation but have become less common over time due to decreasing usage. Many businesses and the public lost interest in the coin, and casinos and slot machine venues switched to "coin-less" operations. From 2001 to 2020, half-dollars were minted only for collectors, and during this period, they could be purchased directly from the US Mint. In 2021, the mint resumed production of half-dollars for general circulation due to low reserve supplies. While they are not regularly kept by banks, some individuals have reported obtaining half-dollars from banks with a few days' notice.
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Frequently asked questions
Banks can still obtain 50 cent pieces, also known as half dollars, but they are uncommon as they are seldom used today.
By the end of the 1970s, the coins became uncommon in circulation as merchants stopped ordering them from banks, and many banks stopped ordering them from the Federal Reserve.
The last time 50 cent pieces were minted for circulation was in 2002. Since then, they have primarily been minted for annual coin sets and collectors.
Yes, you can still get 50 cent pieces from banks and credit unions. You can inquire about obtaining them directly from your local bank or credit union.
You can also find 50 cent pieces at coin dealers, numismatic shops, online coin marketplaces, and auction sites. The U.S. Mint also sells select half dollars directly.
