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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. |