1964 50C XF45 Certification #49842342, PCGS #6706

Choice Extremely Fine 45 (EF-45 ) ANA Description: Slight, overall wear is seen at the highest points of the coin (examples being raised features). All the details are full and very sharp. Mint luster may show only in protected areas of the coin's surface (Such as between the star points). PCGS Description: High points of design now show light wear. A bit of luster may still be visible in protected areas.

Jaime Hernandez

The assassination of former President John F. Kennedy took place on November 22, 1963 and many grieving individuals wanted to commemorate the late President. Shortly thereafter, it was decided that Kennedy’s portrait would be placed on a U.S. coin.

Initially, Kennedy’s portrait was going to be placed on a U.S. quarter. However, Mrs. Kennedy requested for George Washington’s portrait to remain on the quarter dollar instead of her late husbands. The second best choice was the Half Dollar coin. At the time, the Franklin Half Dollar coins were still being issued and the current law required that a coins design should remain on a circulating coin for at least 25 years before it can be changed.

Consequently, Congress had to act quickly and change the law for the Half Dollar coins. In the end, the Kennedy Half Dollar was approved, therefore, ending the Franklin Half Dollar series at least four years earlier than expected. By February 1964, the Philadelphia Mint struck its first Kennedy Half Dollars for circulation while the Denver Mint had already struck them just a week earlier.