What Is a Half Dollar? | 50-Cent Coin Basics

The half dollar is a U.S. coin worth 50 cents, or one-half of a dollar, and the current circulating design is the Kennedy half dollar.

If you’ve ever wondered whether that large silver-looking coin in your drawer is real money, here’s the answer: yes. The U.S. half dollar is legal tender with a face value of $0.50, though you rarely see one in everyday change. The Federal Reserve may order half dollars for circulation, but they’re usually produced as collectibles. Understanding what this coin is — its history, its composition, and its current role — comes down to a few key facts.

Why Is It Called a Half Dollar?

The name is straightforward: this coin represents half of one U.S. dollar. In U.S. numismatics, “half dollar” specifically refers to this coin denomination — not to any item priced at 50 cents. The first half dollar was minted in 1794, making it one of the oldest denominations in American coinage.

Today, the half dollar holds an unusual position. It’s legal tender and technically part of the circulating coin system, but the U.S. Mint produces it primarily for collectors rather than everyday commerce.

The Kennedy Half Dollar

The most recognizable half dollar features President John F. Kennedy on the obverse (heads side). The U.S. Mint first issued this design in 1964, following President Kennedy’s assassination. The Treasury first offered the coin to the public on March 24, 1964. The reverse (tails side) displays the Presidential Seal with its eagle design.

Kennedy half dollars have gone through three distinct compositions:

• 1964: 90% silver
• 1965–1970: 40% silver
• 1971–present: copper-nickel clad (silver eliminated, except for special commemorative issues)

A common mistake is assuming all half dollars are silver. Modern circulating and collector issues are copper-nickel clad — not silver. Only the 1964 issue and certain commemorative pieces contain meaningful silver content.

Half Dollar Specifications

The current half dollar is larger and heavier than most other U.S. coins, which can matter for coin-handling machines and collectors. Here are the official specifications set by the U.S. Mint and U.S. Code:

U.S. Code requires the half dollar to measure 1.205 inches in diameter and weigh 11.34 grams, with a clad construction mandated under 31 U.S.C. §5112. These specifications keep the coin consistent for vending machines, banks, and collectors who handle them.

Are Half Dollars Still Made and Spent?

Yes, but with caveats. Since 2002, the U.S. Mint has produced half dollars primarily for annual coin sets and other numismatic products rather than general circulation. While the Federal Reserve can still order half dollars for circulation, most never reach your local bank branch.

If you do receive one, it spends exactly like any other $0.50 in coins. Despite its larger size and different weight compared to quarters and dimes, the half dollar remains valid at face value as U.S. legal tender. The coin is relevant to the United States only — no other country uses it.

For collectors and those interested in owning these coins, the availability and pricing vary widely based on year, condition, and silver content. Our roundup of the best American half dollars covers which issues are worth adding to a collection and what to look for when buying.