Collection: Type 3, Clad

Designed by: Gilroy Roberts and Frank Gasparro
Issue Dates: 1971-1974, 1977-date
Composition: 75% copper, 25% nickel over pure copper core in clad form, either 90% or 99.9% fine silver proofs made starting in 1992
Diameter: 30.6 mm
Weight: 11.34 grams (175.00 grains, clad coins), 12.5 grams (192.90 grains, 90% coins), 12.65 grams (195.21 grains, 99.9% coins)
Edge: Reeded
Business Strike Mintage: 2,346,341,126 (clad coins, through 2019)
Proof Mintage: 109,349,436 (clad coins, through 2019), 21,241,241 (silver coins, through 2019)

1971–Present Kennedy Half Dollars | Copper-Nickel Clad & Modern Collector Issues

The Kennedy half dollar, first issued in 1964 to commemorate the fallen President John F. Kennedy, underwent a significant compositional change in 1971. After clinging to a 40% silver alloy from 1965 through 1970, the series fully transitioned to a copper-nickel clad composition starting in 1971—mirroring the circulating dimes and quarters of the time.

Composition and Circulation

Beginning in 1971, the Kennedy half dollar was struck on a planchet composed of:

• Core: Pure copper

• Outer Layers: 75% copper / 25% nickel (silver in appearance)

Though the design remained the same—featuring Gilroy Roberts’ portrait of President Kennedy on the obverse and Frank Gasparro’s Presidential Seal reverse—the absence of silver bullion value significantly diminished the coin's appeal in everyday commerce.

Key Developments in the Modern Series

• 1992–2018: The U.S. Mint began producing 90% silver Proofs (12.5 grams) for collectors, reviving the classic silver alloy used in 1964.

• 2019–Present: Proof half dollars transitioned to .999 fine silver, increasing the weight to 12.65 grams, containing .406 troy ounces of pure silver.

• 2014: A special 50th Anniversary Kennedy Half Dollar was struck in .9999 fine gold, dual-dated 1964–2014, and minted at West Point—a landmark release for modern U.S. coinage.

Circulation Decline and Modern Availability

Despite the switch to base metal, the Kennedy half dollar continued to be minted in large numbers through the 1970s and early 1980s. However, public confusion over its supposed intrinsic value—due to lingering associations with silver—led to widespread hoarding. The denomination gradually disappeared from circulation.

By 2002, the U.S. Mint halted regular production for circulation. Since then, Kennedy half dollars have been struck exclusively for collectors, available in:

• Annual Proof Sets

• Mint Sets

• Premium rolls (20 coins) or bags (200 coins) sold directly by the Mint

Why Collect Modern Kennedy Half Dollars?

• Long-running modern U.S. type with changing metal compositions

• Available in both clad and silver proof formats

• Ideal for type sets, presidential-themed collections, or affordable modern coin portfolios

• Unique among U.S. denominations for its historic, patriotic design continuity

From its noble beginnings in 1964 to its evolution through modern numismatics, the Kennedy half dollar remains a cornerstone of 20th- and 21st-century U.S. coinage. Whether collected in clad, silver, or gold, these coins continue to honor a beloved president and offer timeless appeal to collectors.