2019-S First .999 Silver Kennedy Half Dollar PF70 UCAM First Year of Issue
The Kennedy Half Dollar, designed by Frank Gasparro and Gilroy Roberts, was minted starting in 1964 and continues to be minted to this day. In 1964, for the first year of issue, this coin was struck from 90% silver. The next year, in 1965, the coin was struck from 40% silver. This 40% silver composition lasted until 1971 when silver was completely eliminated from the Half Dollar. Now, for the first time in U.S. history, the Half Dollar is being struck from .999 fine silver! As a testament to this fact, the labels of these coins will indicate your coin as the “First .999 Fine Silver Half Dollar.” In addition, these monumental Kennedy Half Dollars have been graded a perfect Proof 70UCAM!
John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States of America, was tragically assassinated in Dallas, Texas on November 22, 1963. Hours after the assassination, Mint Director Eva Adams began initiating plans for a JFK memorial coin. Out of respect for George Washington, Jacqueline Kennedy suggested that John F. Kennedy be placed on the half dollar instead of the quarter. Even though this meant the production of the Franklin Half Dollar series would have to be cut to sixteen years instead of the mandated twenty-five, congress unanimously passed a bill and the coin was put into production only two months later. Frank Gasparro and Gilroy Roberts were called on to create the design for the coin, which was heavily inspired by their previously created JFK Presidential medals. The immense popularity of the coin was showcased on the first day of sales as all 70,000 coins had sold out, but the line of people outside had not dwindled. Add this stunning first ever .999 Silver Kennedy Half Dollar to your collection for the low price of just $159!
