Obverse:
Bust of President John F. Kennedy facing left, designed by Gilroy Roberts.
Legend: LIBERTY – IN GOD WE TRUST – 1966

Reverse:
Presidential Coat of Arms (Heraldic Eagle) with a shield on its chest and an olive branch and arrows in its talons, designed by Frank Gasparro.
Legend: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA – HALF DOLLAR

Specifications:

• Composition: 40% Silver, 60% Copper

• Weight: 11.50 g

• Diameter: 30.6 mm

• Edge: Reeded

• Alignment: Coin (180°)

Historical Context:
The 1966 issue was struck during a time of great change in U.S. coinage. The government sought to eliminate silver from circulating coins to address metal shortages and hoarding. These half dollars, containing only 40% silver, circulated briefly before collectors began saving them for their intrinsic and commemorative value.

Collecting Note:
The 1966 Kennedy half holds special historical value as one of the transitional silver issues (1965–1970). Though not rare, well-preserved examples with bright luster are desirable, marking the end of an era when American circulating coins still carried precious metal.