Kennedy Half Dollar 1997-S Proof Silver

In 1992, the San Francisco Mint started producing proof silver coins again, for their silver proof sets. With only 741,678 minted, the 1997-S Proof Silver Kennedy Half Dollar contains 90% silver and the demand is at an all time high. The 1997-S Silver Proof Kennedy Half Dollar contains the striking proof finish, with a frosted image of Kennedy on the obverse. The coin's date of mintage is also noted on the obverse, as well as the word, "Liberty," and the saying,"In God We Trust." The reverse depicts the US National Seal, which is of a Bald Eagle, with wings and talons outstretched, and a shield covering its torso. The eagle's talons are holding olive branches and arrows, each representing peace through battle. The coin's place of mintage and denomination of 50 cents are also inscribed on the reverse. President Kennedy only served 2 years in office but has left a legacy for generations to come.

Just one month after the assassination of John F. Kennedy, the US Mint quickly released the new half dollar. Replacing the Franklin Half Dollar, the new Kennedy Half Dollar's design was already an existed work by sculptors, Gilroy Roberts and Frank Gasparro. By already having a prominent design at hand, the Philadelphia Mint was able to produce over 273 million brilliant uncirculated coins in 30 short days. Upon their release in March of 1964, almost the entire collection disappeared from the market. Collectors rushed to hoard thousands of these historical gems, while others wanted them for their 90% silver content. Then, there were those Kennedy fans, who just wanted something to remember the late president by. The Mint even drastically increased production but were unsuccessful in giving others the ability to enjoy the new half dollar. 1964 was also the last year of the US Mint using 90% silver in their coins and changing the metal to 40% so this also could have affected the public's intense reaction to hoarding them.

• Denomination: N/A
• Year: 1997
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