Introduce the Kennedy Half Dollar, first issued in 1964 following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, and the transition to the silver-clad version (1965-1970) due to rising silver costs.
Discuss the design by Gilroy Roberts (obverse) and Frank Gasparro (reverse). The obverse features a portrait of Kennedy, while the reverse depicts the Presidential Seal, symbolizing his legacy and leadership.
Explain the shift from the original 90% silver content to a 40% silver-clad composition starting in 1965. This change was a response to silver shortages and rising silver prices, which made the high silver content of the original coins unsustainable.
Describe the minting process for the 1965-1970 silver-clad Kennedy Half Dollars, which were produced in large quantities to meet the demand. These coins were struck at the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mints.
Highlight the unique 40% silver composition used in these half dollars, a mixture of 80% silver and 20% copper, which made them less valuable in terms of precious metal content than the original 90% silver coins.
Discuss the key years within the 1965-1970 range, particularly the 1964 (original silver) and 1965-1970 (silver-clad) coins. Focus on mintage numbers, with special attention to lower-mintage years like 1964 and 1967, which are highly collectible.
Highlight the availability of proof and uncirculated versions of the silver-clad Kennedy Half Dollars, which were struck for collectors at the San Francisco Mint and are often in higher demand due to their quality.
Discuss the role of the Kennedy Half Dollar in U.S. coinage, becoming a symbol of both national mourning and American resolve, as well as a key piece in the broader history of U.S. circulating coins.