When I was a kid in the 1950s, silver half dollars were everywhere in pocket change and in the channels of commerce. Most of these were of the Liberty Walking design dating back to 1916. In one afternoon at the Forty Fort (Pennsylvania) State Bank, I filled two Whitman folders 1916-1940 and 1941-1947 to get a complete set. For a time I kept duplicates, such as 1917-S obverse and the three varieties of 1921, but as the face value kept adding up I stopped doing this. The rarest variety in circulation, 1938-D Franklin half dollars, came next, 1948 to 1963. These were not particularly popular in local collecting circles, such as the Wilkes-Barre Coin Club.
Hover to zoom.
The advent of the Kennedy half dollar in March 1964 was widely anticipated. The obverse was designed by Chief Engraver Gilroy Roberts, and the reverse by his assistant, Frank Gasparro. Regional banks were forewarned and stocked large supplies for distribution. The release was a non-event. Relatively few coins ever reached circulation. The quarter dollar became the coin of choice in pocket change, a situation expanded by the use of quarter slots in vending machines and arcade games. Production of Kennedy half dollars continued, but in reduced numbers. Nearly all of the demand was from numismatists, not from merchants. Today in 2021 Kennedy halves are rare in circulation, and it has been years since I have received one in pocket change.
Forming a complete set is easy enough to do, in a combination of Mint State and Proof format pieces. Arranged in a Whitman, Littleton, or Dansco album these are pleasing to view and can be added to each year. These coins are inexpensive, unless you opt to pay for coins in certified holders.
Is there room in your collection for a set of these?
If you wish to contact me or send any inquiries, you may direct them to my e-mail .
❑
Leave a Reply