Fun facts about the half dollar coin

Coins are more than spare change—they’re tiny pieces of history. One of the most iconic coins in the U.S. is the half-dollar coin. While we don’t see this hefty coin often in daily life, it has a fascinating story. Whether you’re teaching kids about money or just want cool trivia to impress the dinner table, these fun facts about the half-dollar coin come in handy! 

What is the half dollar coin? 

The half-dollar coin, worth 50 cents, is twice the value of a quarter and weighs a bit more, too. At 1.2 inches in diameter, it’s the largest U.S. coin currently minted, with the quarter coming in at 0.955 inches in diameter. The half dollar featuring the profile of President John F. Kennedy is sometimes called the “Kennedy half dollar.” While these coins are still minted today, they're less common in our wallets or at the cash register, making them something of a treasure when spotted.

Fun facts about the half dollar coin 

1. The Kennedy design was created in record time 

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The Kennedy half dollar was created to honor President John F. Kennedy after his assassination in 1963. Remarkably, the design process began within hours of his tragic death. With input from the late president’s family, including First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, the U.S. Mint produced the first Kennedy half dollars by early 1964 to serve as a tribute to him. 

The coin’s design features Kennedy’s profile on the front (the obverse), adapted from the president’s inaugural medal. The reverse side features the Presidential Seal, which showcases an eagle clutching arrows and olive branches, except in 1975 and 1976 versions of the coin, which featured Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 

2. It wasn't always Kennedy on the coin 

Before Kennedy, the half dollar had a long history. The first half dollars were struck in 1794 and bore a portrait of Liberty with flowing hair. Over the years, several other designs graced the coin before being replaced by Kennedy’s profile in 1964. 

Among these designs were the Liberty Seated half dollar (1839–1891), the Barber half dollar (1892–1915), the Liberty Walking half dollar (1916-1947), and the Franklin half dollar (1948–1963), which featured Founding Father Benjamin Franklin, with many variations of these rare coins in existence. 

3. Early coins were made from silver 

Initially, Kennedy half dollars were made from 90% silver, which added to their appeal and value. However, as the value of silver increased, the U.S. Mint transitioned to a less costly composition. From 1965 to 1970, half dollars were made from a silver-clad composition (an outer layer of silver over a copper core). Since 1971, most Kennedy half dollars have been minted using a copper-nickel alloy, except for special collector’s editions still made with silver. 

If you stumble across a 1964 Kennedy half-dollar, hold on to it! The higher silver content can make some versions a valuable collector’s item, with uncirculated versions selling for up to $23,500.  

4. Americans loved the early Kennedy half dollar 

When the Kennedy half dollar was first minted in 1964, its demand was overwhelming. People wanted the coin as a way to honor the beloved president. The Treasury Department reported selling out of its entire stock of 70,000 coins within the first day of release. Banks across America quickly ran out of their supply, too, with banks in Philadelphia and Boston reporting their supply ran out by noon on the first day, even after rationing the availability of the coins. 

Even today, many early Kennedy half dollars are tucked away as keepsakes and family heirlooms from people saving rather than spending them. 

5. Half dollars rarely show up in circulation 

Have you noticed that half dollars are a rare sight at the grocery store? While millions of them are produced every year, they are seldom used in everyday transactions. Most are collected by coin collectors or ordered directly from the U.S. Mint for special occasions. 

The Mint suspended production of the coins for general circulation in 2001, only producing coins for collectors and selling them at a premium from 2002 to 2020 before resuming production for general circulation in 2021.

How to make the half dollar fun for kids 

If you’re a parent looking to teach your kids about money management, the half-dollar is a great starting point. Its history blends education and fun, while its unusual size and design make it stand out among other coins. You can even challenge your kids to spot a half dollar in your change (a rare feat!) or ask them to describe what makes it unique. 

Bonus activity idea 

Create a family scavenger hunt with coins, including a half dollar, quarter, dime, nickel, and penny. Have your kids find each one and share a fun fact about it. Hands-on learning is a great way to make talking about money more engaging for young learners. 

Teach your kids smart money habits 

Now that you’ve unlocked some cool facts about the half-dollar, why not use this as a launching point to teach your kids about money? Greenlight makes it easy! Our app empowers families to teach essential money skills, such as saving and spending wisely, while keeping it fun for kids. Try Greenlight now. 

This blog post is provided "as is" and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Some content in this post may have been created using artificial intelligence; however, every blog post is reviewed by at least two human editors.