Last Circulating Silver JFK Half Dollar

The U.S. Mint stopped making 90% silver coins for circulation in 1964 due to the rapidly rising cost of silver bullion – but unknown to most collectors, it continued to make the Kennedy Half Dollar in 40% silver for circulation until 1969. The 40% silver Kennedy Half Dollar in the only U.S. coin ever made in 40% silver for circulation and the last U.S. silver coin ever made for circulation. The coin offered here is the last-ever 40% silver Kennedy Half Dollar, made in 1969 – over half a century ago. Despite the lowered silver content, the rising price of silver meant that a Kennedy Half Dollar contained more silver than its 50¢ face value, and therefore millions were hoarded and melted. Only a few remain for today’s collectors. The Kennedy Half Dollar was first minted in early 1964, just weeks after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The portrait was first used on his official Presidential Medal in 1961, and the design of the coin was personally approved by Jacqueline Kennedy, the President’s widow. The reverse design is based on the Presidential coat of arms. The 1969 coin was minted for circulation only at the U.S. Mint in Denver; it features the “D” mint mark at the truncation of Kennedy’s neck, above the date.