Kennedy (1964-Date)

Following John F. Kennedy's November 22, 1963, assassination, the Franklin half dollar was quickly redesigned to honor the recently slain president. By the end of January, business strikes of the design were in production. The coins were first released on March 24, 1964.

To celebrate America's Bicentennial, Kennedy half dollars produced in 1975 and 1976 were minted with special dual dating (1776-1976) on their obverse and a commemorative design by Seth Huntington on the reverse, with a view of Independence Hall.

1964: 90% silver, 10% copper
1965-1970: 40% silver, 60% copper
1971-Present: 91.67% Copper, 8.33% Nickel