1966 Silver Kennedy Half Dollar BU

CVC & Collectables presents the 1966 Kennedy Half Dollar, struck in 40% silver during a transitional period in U.S. coinage. Issued in Brilliant Uncirculated condition, this coin represents the second year of the reduced-silver Kennedy Half Dollar composition, introduced after rising silver prices ended the use of 90% silver in 1964. The 1966 issue was part of the U.S. Mint’s Special Mint Set (SMS) program, as no traditional proof coins or regular mint sets were released from 1965–1967.

Coin Highlights:

• Mint: U.S. Mint (no mintmark; struck at the Philadelphia facility)

• Year: 1966

• Denomination: Half Dollar (50 Cents)

• Weight: 11.50 grams

• Composition: 40% Silver, 60% Copper

• Diameter: 30.6 mm

• Grade: Brilliant Uncirculated (BU)

• Mintage: 108,984,932

• Obverse: Portrait of President John F. Kennedy facing left, designed by Gilroy Roberts, with inscriptions “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” along with the year of issue

• Reverse: Presidential Coat of Arms with heraldic eagle clutching arrows and olive branch, designed by Frank Gasparro, with inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “HALF DOLLAR”

• Edge: Reeded

Collectibility:

The 1966 Kennedy Half Dollar is desirable for its silver content, historic composition change, and limited distribution through the Special Mint Set program. Brilliant Uncirculated examples retain sharp detail and original mint luster, making them an attractive choice for both silver stackers and Kennedy series collectors.

Historical Significance:

Following the 1964 release of the 90% silver Kennedy Half Dollar, rising bullion prices and public hoarding of coins led the U.S. Mint to reduce the silver content to 40% beginning in 1965. The 1966 issue reflects this pivotal shift in American coinage history. During this period, the Mint also suspended proof and standard mint set production, instead issuing coins in Special Mint Sets, which makes BU survivors particularly appealing to collectors.