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How to Identify Kennedy Half Dollars

The Kennedy half dollar coin was initially made in 1964 after 35th president John F. Kennedy's passing. The shiny half dollar coin took the place of the Franklin half dollar and was meant for commercial use. When the coin's commercial use dwindled, issuance of Kennedy half dollar coins came to a halt in 2002. Identify Kennedy half dollar coins in your collection by noting the measurements of the coin, as well as the images on the front and back. Coin collectors are in for a surprise if a special edition Kennedy coin exists in their collection.

Things You'll Need

Ruler

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the half dollar coin's diameter and thickness using a ruler. Kennedy half dollar coins measure about 1 1/4 inches in diameter and have a thickness of about 3/32 inches.
- 2
  Inspect the glossiness of the half dollar coin. Kennedy half dollar coins manufactured during the first phase in 1964 contain 90 percent silver, giving the coin a shiny gray tone. Kennedy half dollar coins made from 1965 to 1970 contain 40 percent silver. Kennedy coins made from 1971 and later contain copper nickel clad alloy, giving the coin a flatter gray tone.
- 3
  Take note of the image on the front and back of the coin. Kennedy half dollars display a profile image of John F. Kennedy on the front and the Seal of the President on the back of the coin. The special edition bicentennial half dollar made in 1976 displays an image of Philadelphia's Independence Hall on the back of the coin.
- 4
  Look at the inscription on the half dollar coin. The Kennedy half dollar coin bears the word "Liberty" in capital letters above President Kennedy's profile as well as the year the coin was made below the profile. The back of the coin has "The United States of America" along the top of the coin above the presidential seal, while you will find the words "Half Dollar" below the seal.

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