
The 1965 Kennedy half dollar holds a significant place in numismatic history, primarily because it marks a pivotal transition in the composition of U.S. circulating coinage. Unlike its immediate predecessors (the 1964 issue), which were struck from 90% silver and 10% copper, the 1965 Kennedy half dollar was the first to be minted with a 40% silver and 60% copper composition. This change was necessitated by a severe silver shortage in the United States, leading to the Coinage Act of 1965.