Are 50-Cent Coins Still Made for Circulation?
Get answers about the 50-cent coin's status. Understand its production, why it's rarely seen, and where to find it now.
The fifty-cent coin, featuring President John F. Kennedy, often sparks questions regarding its continued production and circulation. Many individuals rarely encounter this denomination, leading to curiosity about its current status. Understanding the U.S. Mint’s role and the banking system helps clarify why these coins are not commonly seen. This article explores the 50-cent coin’s current state, availability, and historical journey.
Current Production and Availability of 50-Cent Coins
The U.S. Mint continues to produce 50-cent coins, specifically the Kennedy Half Dollar, each year. Production for general circulation was suspended from 2002 to 2020, but the Mint resumed striking them for circulation in 2021. These coins are also regularly produced for collectors and included in annual coin sets. The U.S. Mint manages their production and distribution, making them available through special orders or for numismatic purposes.
The Federal Reserve can still order 50-cent coins for general circulation, as evidenced by orders placed in 2021, 2022, and 2023. For instance, in 2023, the U.S. Mint produced 10.8 million Kennedy Half Dollars for circulation. Despite this, these coins have largely shifted away from widespread everyday use.
Understanding Their Limited Presence in Circulation
Even with continued production, 50-cent coins are rarely encountered in daily commerce. Their infrequent appearance stems from public behavior and historical events. Following President John F. Kennedy’s assassination in 1963, many newly minted 1964 Kennedy Half Dollars, containing 90% silver, were hoarded as mementos or for their precious metal content. This led people to save them rather than spend them.
Further contributing to their limited circulation is the public’s preference for other denominations, such as quarters, for convenience. Many cash registers lack dedicated slots for half dollars, and most vending machines do not accept them, making their use impractical for merchants and consumers. Additionally, the banking system has reduced its demand for these coins, often holding large reserves that are not actively circulated.
How to Acquire 50-Cent Coins
For individuals interested in obtaining 50-cent coins, several methods are available. One common approach is to inquire at local banks, though they may not keep a large supply on hand. Banks typically can order rolls of 50-cent coins, often containing 20 coins per roll, which may require advance notice. Building a relationship with bank staff can also facilitate access to these denominations.
Another direct avenue is purchasing them from the U.S. Mint’s official website, where they are sold in rolls, bags, and as part of annual coin sets. These coins are legal tender and can be spent, but they are often acquired by collectors for numismatic purposes rather than routine transactions. Coin dealers and numismatic shops also offer 50-cent coins, providing options for both current year issues and older, collectible versions.
Key Moments in 50-Cent Coin History
The 50-cent coin has a long and varied history in the United States, with its first issuance dating back to 1794. Early designs featured allegorical figures of Liberty, such as the Flowing Hair, Draped Bust, and Seated Liberty motifs. Over time, the coin’s design evolved, introducing the Barber Half Dollar and the iconic Walking Liberty design from 1916 to 1947.
In 1948, Benjamin Franklin became the first historical figure to appear on the 50-cent coin, followed by the current Kennedy Half Dollar in 1964. The Kennedy Half Dollar was authorized by Congress after President Kennedy’s assassination. The coin’s metallic composition also changed, transitioning from 90% silver in 1964 to 40% silver from 1965 to 1970, and then to a copper-nickel clad composition from 1971 onward.