What Coin is JFK On?

John F. Kennedy is considered one of the most beloved presidents in American history. His timeless legacy has been commemorated in various ways, including on coins. The most prominent coin featuring JFK is the JFK Half Dollar, which has been in circulation since 1964. In this article, we will explore the history, design, and value of the JFK Half Dollar. We will also look at other coins featuring JFK, tips for collecting JFK coins, and the future of JFK coins.

The JFK Half Dollar

JFK has been featured on many commemorative coins around the world.

The JFK Half Dollar is a commemorative coin that was first minted in 1964, shortly after JFK’s assassination. It was designed by Gilroy Roberts, the Chief Engraver of the United States Mint, and Frank Gasparro, the Mint’s Assistant Engraver. The coin’s obverse features a portrait of JFK, while the reverse features the Seal of the President of the United States.

The JFK Half Dollar was initially intended to be a one-year commemorative coin, but it proved to be so popular that it has remained in circulation for over five decades. The coin was struck in 90% silver until 1970, after which it was made of a copper-nickel alloy.

The JFK Half Dollar is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful coins ever produced by the United States Mint. It is also one of the most collected coins, with many enthusiasts seeking to acquire every year and mintmark of the coin. The value of the JFK Half Dollar varies depending on its condition, rarity, and historical significance.

Design and Features of the JFK Half Dollar

Collecting JFK coins is a popular hobby for numismatists around the world.

The JFK Half Dollar’s obverse features a left-facing portrait of President Kennedy, with the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” inscribed above and below his image, respectively. The date of minting appears below his image. The reverse features the Seal of the President of the United States, with an eagle in the center and the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “HALF DOLLAR” inscribed around the edge.

The design of the JFK Half Dollar has undergone several changes over the years. In 1975, the Bicentennial Reverse was introduced, featuring Independence Hall in Philadelphia. In 2014, the 50th anniversary of the coin’s initial release, the US Mint released a special 24-karat gold coin featuring the original 1964 design.

The JFK Half Dollar has been a staple of American coin collecting for over five decades. Its timeless design and historical significance make it a must-have for any serious collector. In the next section, we will explore other coins featuring JFK.

Other Coins Featuring JFK

Aside from the JFK Half Dollar, several other coins feature President Kennedy. One of the most notable is the Kennedy Gold Half Dollar, which was minted in 2014 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the JFK Half Dollar’s initial release. The coin is made of 24-karat gold and features the same design as the original 1964 coin.

In addition to US coins, JFK has also been featured on commemorative coins from other countries. For example, Ireland released a commemorative coin in 1964 to honor JFK’s visit to the country. The coin features a portrait of JFK on the obverse and a Celtic harp on the reverse.

Collecting JFK Coins

Collecting JFK coins can be a fun and rewarding hobby, but it can also be challenging. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Research: Before you start collecting JFK coins, take some time to research the various coins that are available. Look at the different designs and mintmarks and decide which ones you want to add to your collection.
Buy from reputable dealers: When purchasing JFK coins, make sure to buy from reputable dealers who specialize in coins. This will help ensure that you are getting authentic coins and that you are not overpaying.
Look for errors and misprints: Like all coins, JFK coins can have errors and misprints that make them more valuable. Look for coins with doubled dies, missing letters, or other anomalies that make them unique.
Focus on quality: When collecting JFK coins, focus on quality over quantity. It is better to have a small collection of high-quality coins than a large collection of low-quality coins.
Store your coins properly: Proper storage is essential for preserving the value of your JFK coins. Store them in a dry, cool place, away from direct sunlight and moisture.

By following these tips, you can start building a collection of JFK coins that you can be proud of. In the next section, we will look at the future of JFK coins.

The Future of JFK Coins

As with many commemorative coins, the future of JFK coins is uncertain. However, there is always a possibility of new JFK commemorative coins being released in the future. The US Mint has a long history of releasing coins to commemorate important events and figures, and it is possible that JFK may be featured in future releases.

In terms of value and availability, it is difficult to predict the future of JFK coins. The JFK Half Dollar has remained popular among collectors for over five decades, and its value has increased over time. However, the value of individual coins can vary greatly depending on their rarity, condition, and historical significance.

If new JFK commemorative coins are released, they may or may not become valuable collector’s items. It ultimately depends on the design, rarity, and historical significance of the coin. Collectors should keep an eye on future releases and make informed decisions about which coins to add to their collection.

Conclusion

In conclusion, JFK’s legacy has been commemorated in various ways, including on coins. The most well-known coin featuring JFK is the JFK Half Dollar, which has been in circulation since 1964. The coin’s timeless design and historical significance make it a must-have for any serious collector.

Other coins featuring JFK include commemorative coins and foreign coins. Collectors should keep an eye out for these coins and make informed decisions about which ones to add to their collection.