Kennedy Half dollar 50th anniversary tribute set

The Kennedy Half Dollar was first issued shortly after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in Dallas, Texas, on November 22, 1963. It was first released in 1964. Today, the Kennedy Half Dollar is America’s most beloved coin. The obverse is a portrait of Kennedy, which was personally approved by Kennedy’s widow, Jacqueline Kennedy; the reverse is the Presidential Coat of Arms. The coins in this collection represent the three different compositions for standard coins (90% silver, 40% silver, copper-nickel) and the three different mints (Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco); as well as the clad Bicentennial coin in spectaculat Proof condition. The first-year 1964 coin was minted in 90% silver. It was the last-ever 90% silver Half Dollar issued for circulation, as well as the only 90% silver coin in the Kennedy Half Dollar series that was issued for circulation. The 1964 90% silver coin in this collection was struck at the Philadelphia Mint but has no mint mark. Starting in 1965, the U.S. Mint no longer made coins for circulation in 90% silver due to the rising cost of silver. While silver was removed completed from Dimes and Quarters, the Kennedy Half Dollar was made in 40% silver until 1970. It is the only 40% silver coin ever made for circulation, as well as the last silver U.S. coin made for circulation. In 2014, the US Mint issued a four coin set in 90% silver coin. The uncirculated coin in this collection was struck at the Denver Mint (“D” mint mark). In addition to coins for circulation, the U.S. Mint also struck a copper-nickel proof version of the Kennedy Half Dollar at the San Francisco Mint (“S” mint mark) for the Bicentennial. Proof coins are the highest quality possible; they are double struck to produce sharp images and mirror-like backgrounds. The obverse of each coin is similar the standard coin, but with the dual bicentennial dates “1776-1976.” The reverse of each coin was a special bicentennial design that can never be used again. The Kennedy Bicentennial Half Dollar shows Independence Hall in Philadelphia, where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776. Proofs are issued in limited editions and are available only as part of the year’s official Proof Set (i.e. they are not available individually from the U.S. Mint). Proofs are also the rarest of all Kennedy Half Dollars.