The obverse was designed by Edgar Z. Steever and features the Statue of Liberty with a ship in the harbor against a New York City skyline as well as a large sun with rays. Located to the left of the statues base are the designer's Initials "ZS". On the outer periphery are the words "LIBERTY" and "IN GOD WE TRUST" as well as the year of issue. Located at the bottom right of the sun's rays is the min mark "S" for San Francisco or "D" for Denver. (note: proof coins were only minted at San Francisco and business strikes were only minted at Denver)
The reverse was designed by Sherl J. Winter and features an immigrant family standing on a pier at Ellis Island overlooking the harbor at New York City. On the upper periphery are the words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "A NATION OF IMMIGRANTS". On the lower periphery are the words "HALF DOLLAR" and "E PLURIBUS UNIM". Located in the bottom left of the design are the designer's initials "JW".
Mintage
| Uncirculated | Proof |
| 928,008 | 6,925,627 |
Designer: Edgar Z. Steever IV (obverse), Sheryl Winter (reverse)
Weight: 11.3400 g
Composition: 91.67% copper, 8.33% nickel
Diameter: 30.61 mm
Edge: reeded