The Kennedy half dollar was created to honor America's 35th President, the late John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated in Dallas, Texas on November 22 1963. The design of the coin was finalized just weeks after President Kennedy's untimely death, and the necessary legislation authorizing the new half dollar breezed through Congress. Regular issue production of the new coin was under way by the end of January 1964, a mere two months after that fateful day in Dallars. Regular-issue Kennedy half dollars were struck in 90% pure silver in 1964, in a 40% silver-clad material during 1965-1970 and in copper-nickel clad metal from 1971 onward.