拥有者评论
The assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963, marked one of the most tragic and shocking moments in American history. As the nation grieved the loss of its charismatic leader, efforts to memorialize Kennedy began almost immediately. Among these tributes was the decision to feature his portrait on a U.S. coin—a lasting symbol of his legacy.
The Selection of the Kennedy Half Dollar
Initially, there were discussions about placing Kennedy’s image on the U.S. quarter, replacing George Washington’s portrait. However, Jacqueline Kennedy, the late president’s widow, requested that Washington remain on the quarter, as his likeness had been a cornerstone of American coinage since 1932. The next logical choice was the half dollar, which at the time featured Benjamin Franklin, a design introduced in 1948.
Legislative Hurdles and Rapid Production
The Coinage Act of 1890 mandated that designs on circulating coins remain unchanged for at least 25 years, unless Congress approved an exception. Since the Franklin Half Dollar had only been in circulation for 15 years, Congress needed to pass new legislation to replace it with the Kennedy design. The urgency of this tribute spurred swift bipartisan action, and the law was amended to allow the redesign.
The U.S. Mint worked quickly to prepare the new coin. Sculptors Gilroy Roberts and Frank Gasparro, who had created the designs for Kennedy’s Presidential Medal, adapted their work for the half dollar. The coin design featured Kennedy’s left-facing profile on the obverse and the presidential seal on the reverse. By February 1964, the Philadelphia Mint began striking the new coins, and the Denver Mint followed shortly thereafter.
Material Composition and Collectibility
The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollars were composed of 90% silver, making them highly valued not only as a tribute but also for their silver content. However, due to rising silver prices, the U.S. Mint transitioned to a 40% silver composition for circulation strikes from 1965 to 1970. After 1970, silver was removed entirely from the coins minted for circulation, making the earlier issues particularly sought after by collectors.
Historical Context and Impact
The Kennedy Half Dollar quickly became one of the most popular coins in U.S. history. It served not just as currency but as a token of national mourning and remembrance. Banks across the country reported high demand for the coin, with many Americans keeping the half dollars as keepsakes rather than spending them. This led to widespread hoarding, and the coin soon became scarce in circulation—a testament to Kennedy’s enduring legacy.
The Kennedy Half Dollar remains in production today, though its role as a circulating coin has diminished due to its size and the public’s preference for smaller denominations. Nevertheless, it continues to symbolize the profound impact of President Kennedy’s life and the enduring respect for his memory.