Numismatic

1998-S Kennedy Half Dollar Gem Proof

---

The 1998-S Kennedy half dollar stands as a remarkable example of modern American coinage, struck with a brilliant proof finish at the San Francisco Mint. This fifty cent piece features a multi-layered composition, consisting of an outer blend of copper and nickel bonded securely to a core of pure copper. The contrasting metals and specialized proof striking process highlight the intricate details of a design that has captivated observers for decades. On the obverse, the coin presents a left-facing portrait of President John F. Kennedy, a powerful bust designed by Gilroy Roberts. The inscription "IN GOD WE TRUST" is positioned below the portrait, while the date of 1998 is anchored at the bottom. The small "S" mint mark denotes its origin from the San Francisco facility, signifying the care and precision of a proof strike. The reverse, designed by Frank Gasparro, features the classic heraldic eagle. The eagle holds a bundle of arrows in one talon and an olive branch in the other, symbolizing both strength and peace. The inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "HALF DOLLAR" frame this central image, completing a design that remains a cornerstone of United States coinage history.