Semi-Numismatic

1965 Kennedy Half Dollar SMS

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The year 1965 marked a significant turning point for United States coinage. This Special Mint Set (SMS) Kennedy Half Dollar represents the very first year the Mint utilized a reduced 40% silver composition, containing 0.1479 troy ounces of the precious metal. It stands as a fascinating transitional piece of modern American numismatic history, bridging the gap between the traditional 90% silver era and the clad coinage that followed. On the obverse, a detailed bust of President John F. Kennedy faces left. The design, created by Gilroy Roberts, is accompanied by the poignant motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" split across the lower field, with the date "1965" anchored at the bottom. The legend "LIBERTY" arches along the upper rim, framing the portrait of the fallen president. The reverse, designed by Frank Gasparro, features a powerful heraldic eagle. The eagle holds a bundle of arrows in one talon and an olive branch in the other, representing both strength and peace. Surrounded by the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "HALF DOLLAR," the design also incorporates the traditional Latin motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM" on a scroll above the eagle's head.