USA ½ dollar Kennedy Half Dollar 1966

USA, Philadelphia

Rarity

Common

Attributes of Coins

Region	USA
Denomination	½ dollar
Krause number	KM# 202a
Mintage	108,984,932
Metal	Silver 0.400
thickness	2.15 mm
diameter	30.6 mm
weight	11.5 g

Obverse:

Head of state

Description:

John F. Kennedy (35th President of the USA)

Creators:

Gilroy Roberts

IN GOD WE TRUST

LIBERTY

Reverse:

Coat of arms

Description:

Eagle (heraldry)

Creators:

Frank Gasparro (FG)

E PLURIBUS UNUM

HALF DOLLAR

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Introduction of Coins

All 1966 half dollars made for circulation were coined at the Denver Mint. Occupied with 1965-dated pieces through July, it was not until August 1, 1966 that Denver switched over to coinage of the current year. This odd situation resulted from the Treasury Department's determination to make enough 1965-dated coins to discourage hoarding of that date, Since most of 1965 had been occupied striking 1964-dated coinage, the commencement of 1966-dated pieces were deferred until the final months of that year. All of these deceptions resulted from the real shortage of circulating coins that had appeared in 1963 and an even greater shortage the government feared would occur when the public began to hoard the old silver issues. Though many XF and AU examples survive of the 1966 half dollar, the vast majority seem to have been hoarded by the roll and bag in unworn condition. Because quantity prevailed over quality for many years, these coins were not cared for, making gems rather scarce above the grade of MS-65. Though varieties are few for the circulating edition of this date, the same doubling of Kennedy's profile seen on many of the Special Mint Set coins may be found on some MS pieces. It's quite possible that retired SMS dies were shipped to Denver for currency production, and this may also account for the very rare MS pieces that have been certified as prooflike (PL) for a few 1965-67 halves.Read More