In the US, half-dollar coins are also called the fifty-cent piece, and these have been a part of American currency since a short time after the United States gained independence and established its own government. Records of past currency show that the first half-dollar coins were minted in 1794, though the initial design was quickly abandoned for a coin that showed a draped bust on the front and an eagle on the back. Through American history, there have been eight different designs, and the coins have been made in several metals.

It was common until fairly recently, for half-dollar coins to be made primarily of silver. However, the value of silver soon outpaced the value of the coin, and by the mid 1960s, the US sought to make a less expensive version of the coin that people might spend instead of melting down or saving. The design of the coin from 1964 on is somewhat different too. After the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, suggestion was made that he should be featured on a coin, and the suggestion was followed. The first Kennedy half-dollar coins were mostly silver, and a 1964 coin is well worth possessing. After 1965 though, the half-dollar coin was made only of copper and a copper nickel alloy called cupronickel.

Half-dollar coins currently are not used that often. Even though most change drawers in cash registers have a half dollar section, many cashiers might not be able to identify it, and most stores with cash registers store other things in that section. It isn’t common for businesses to use half dollars when they make change. Additionally, there are certain things like parking meters, pay telephones, and vending machines, which do not accept them.

One exception to this is in many casinos. Some slot machines may still accept a half-dollar coin, and they are frequently used as antes in poker. In the main, these coins don’t circulate very frequently, though banks do have them and its possible to ask for them. They may not be very useful, so most people who want change in high amounts get quarters instead.

On the other hand, a person who happens to be a magician might want a supply of half-dollar coins. With a diameter over an inch (2.54 cm), they are considered ideal for coin magic tricks, and they’re certainly more visible for magic shows than are quarters. Magicians aren’t the only people who might be interested in these coins. Many people like to possess one or two of these because they do honor President Kennedy, or simply because they have a comfortable weight in the hand and are rare.