Numismatic

1988-S Kennedy Half Dollar Gem Proof

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The 1988-S Kennedy half dollar stands as a striking example of modern American coining artistry, struck with a brilliant proof finish at the San Francisco Mint. The obverse features a detailed bust of President John F. Kennedy, a design crafted by Gilroy Roberts. This poignant portrait was conceived shortly after the president's tragic passing. Jacqueline Kennedy requested that her late husband be placed on the fifty-cent piece rather than the quarter, wishing to preserve George Washington's place on the twenty-five-cent coin. On the reverse, Frank Gasparro's design displays a powerful heraldic eagle clutching both a bundle of arrows and an olive branch, symbolizing strength and peace. The inscriptions "IN GOD WE TRUST" and "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" frame these iconic designs, serving as a testament to the nation's heritage. This particular issue highlights a major shift in the metallic makeup of American currency. While early versions of the coin contained silver, President Richard Nixon signed legislation on December 30, 1970, that eliminated the precious metal from the denomination. Beginning in 1971, the coins were produced using a core of pure copper sandwiched between outer layers of copper-nickel alloy, a composition beautifully preserved in this 1988 proof specimen.