United States half dollar coin - Definition and Overview

Half Dollar (United States)
Value:	0.50 US dollars
Mass:	11.340 g
Diameter:	30.61 mm
Thickness:	2.15 mm
Edge:	150 reeds
Composition:	91.66% Cu, 8.33% Ni
Obverse
Design:	John F. Kennedy
Designer:	Gilroy Roberts
Design Date:	1964
Reverse
Design:	Presidential Seal
Designer:	Frank Gasparro
Design Date:	1964

The Half Dollar of the United States has been produced nearly every year since the inception of the United States Mint in 1793. No other US coin has enjoyed as consistent a mintage over the entire period. Currently, however, they appear to have little circulation aside from some use in slot machines at casinos.

Designs:

• Flowing Hair 1794-1795
  
• Draped Bust 1796-1807
  • Draped Bust, Small Eagle 1796-1797
    
  • Draped Bust, Heraldic Eagle 1801-1807
    
• Capped Bust 1807-1839
  • Capped Bust (Lettered Edge) 1807-1836
    
  • Capped Bust (Reeded Edge) 1836-1839
    
• Seated Liberty (various subtypes) 1839-1891
  
• Barber 1892-1915
  
• Walking Liberty 1916-1947
  
• Franklin 1948-1963
  
• Kennedy 1964-present
  • Kennedy (90% Silver) 1964
    
  • Kennedy (40% Silver) 1965-1970
    
  • Kennedy (copper nickel clad) 1971-1974; 1977-Present
    
  • Kennedy Bicentennial 1975-1976 (all were dated 1776-1976)

In addition to these regular issue coins, Half Dollars are the most common denomination used for United States Commemorative Coins.

External link

• http://www.acoin.com/regular50c.htm