2017-S Kennedy Half

Kennedy Half series: The fastest design-to-strike turnaround in modern US coinage - authorized December 1963, in circulation by March 1964 to memorialize JFK. Public hoarding of the 90% silver 1964 issue removed it from circulation almost immediately. Silver content dropped to 40% (1965–1970), then to clad copper-nickel (1971–present). Designed by Gilroy Roberts (obverse), Frank Gasparro (reverse). Struck 1964–present.

The Kennedy Memorial (1964–present): Authorized just weeks after the assassination, the Kennedy Half Dollar entered circulation in March 1964. Public demand was so intense that mintage was unlimited that first year - every Kennedy half struck in 1964 is 90% silver. Hoarding pulled most from circulation within months. The denomination has barely circulated since.

The Silver Coinage Act (1964–1965): The Coinage Act of 1965 stripped silver from the dime and quarter entirely and reduced the half dollar to 40% silver. Skyrocketing silver prices and the strain on US silver reserves forced the change. 1964 was the last full-silver year for circulating US coinage - collectors mark the year as the modern silver cutoff.