Discover The Rarest 1985 Kennedy Half Dollar Coins And Their Value

What is a 1985 Kennedy half dollar?

The 1985 Kennedy half dollar is a United States coin struck in 1985. It was designed by Frank Gasparro and sculpted by Gilroy Roberts. The obverse (heads) of the coin features a left-facing profile of President John F. Kennedy, while the reverse (tails) depicts a heraldic eagle landing on the Moon, commemorating the Apollo 11 moon landing. The coin is composed of a clad layer of copper-nickel bonded to a core of pure copper.

The 1985 Kennedy half dollar is the first coin in the United States to feature a clad layer. Clad coins are less expensive to produce than solid silver coins, and they are also more durable. The Kennedy half dollar is still in circulation today, and it is one of the most popular coins among collectors.

The 1985 Kennedy half dollar is a significant coin in American history. It commemorates the Apollo 11 moon landing, one of the most important events in human history. The coin is also a reminder of President Kennedy's legacy and his commitment to space exploration.

1985 Kennedy Half Dollar

The 1985 Kennedy Half Dollar is a significant coin in American history, commemorating the Apollo 11 moon landing.

• Obverse: Left-facing profile of President John F. Kennedy
• Reverse: Heraldic eagle landing on the Moon
• Designer: Frank Gasparro
• Sculptor: Gilroy Roberts
• Composition: Copper-nickel clad over pure copper core
• Diameter: 30.61 mm
• Weight: 11.34 grams
• Mintage: 610,758,027

The 1985 Kennedy Half Dollar is the first coin in the United States to feature a clad layer. Clad coins are less expensive to produce than solid silver coins, and they are also more durable. The Kennedy Half Dollar is still in circulation today, and it is one of the most popular coins among collectors.

1. Obverse

The obverse of the 1985 Kennedy half dollar features a left-facing profile of President John F. Kennedy. This design was created by Frank Gasparro and sculpted by Gilroy Roberts. It is the same design that has been used on all Kennedy half dollars since they were first minted in 1964.

• Symbol of Kennedy's legacy: The obverse of the 1985 Kennedy half dollar is a reminder of President Kennedy's legacy and his commitment to space exploration. Kennedy was a strong supporter of the space program, and he challenged the nation to land a man on the moon before the end of the decade. The Kennedy half dollar was first minted in 1964, just one year after Kennedy's assassination. It is a fitting tribute to a president who inspired a generation to reach for the stars.
• Symbol of American strength and innovation: The obverse of the 1985 Kennedy half dollar is also a symbol of American strength and innovation. The United States was the first country to land a man on the moon, and the Kennedy half dollar is a reminder of that achievement. The coin is also a reminder of the American spirit of exploration and innovation. Americans have always been willing to push the boundaries of what is possible, and the Kennedy half dollar is a symbol of that spirit.
• Popular among collectors: The 1985 Kennedy half dollar is a popular coin among collectors. It is a well-designed coin that commemorates an important event in American history. The coin is also relatively affordable, making it a good choice for beginning collectors.

The obverse of the 1985 Kennedy half dollar is a reminder of President Kennedy's legacy, American strength and innovation, and the American spirit of exploration and innovation. It is a popular coin among collectors and a fitting tribute to a great president.

2. Reverse

The reverse of the 1985 Kennedy half dollar features a heraldic eagle landing on the Moon. This design was created by Frank Gasparro and sculpted by Gilroy Roberts. It is a powerful and iconic image that symbolizes the United States' achievement in landing a man on the moon.

• Symbol of American triumph: The heraldic eagle landing on the Moon is a symbol of American triumph. The United States was the first country to land a man on the moon, and this was a major victory in the Cold War. The Kennedy half dollar commemorates this achievement and celebrates the American spirit of exploration and innovation.
• Symbol of peace and unity: The heraldic eagle is also a symbol of peace and unity. The eagle is a majestic bird that is often associated with strength and power. However, the eagle on the Kennedy half dollar is depicted with its wings spread in a gesture of peace. This symbolizes the hope that the United States' achievement in space would lead to a more peaceful and united world.
• Symbol of hope and inspiration: The Kennedy half dollar was first minted in 1964, just one year after President Kennedy's assassination. The coin is a reminder of Kennedy's legacy and his commitment to space exploration. The eagle landing on the Moon is a symbol of hope and inspiration. It reminds us that anything is possible if we dare to dream big and work hard to achieve our goals.

The reverse of the 1985 Kennedy half dollar is a powerful and iconic image that symbolizes American triumph, peace and unity, and hope and inspiration. It is a fitting tribute to President Kennedy and his legacy.

3. Designer

Frank Gasparro was an American coin designer and engraver. He is best known for his work on the Kennedy half dollar, which was first minted in 1964. Gasparro's design for the Kennedy half dollar is a left-facing profile of President John F. Kennedy. The reverse of the coin features a heraldic eagle landing on the Moon, commemorating the Apollo 11 moon landing.

• Early life and career: Frank Gasparro was born in New York City in 1909. He studied art at the National Academy of Design and the Art Students League. In 1935, he joined the United States Mint as an engraver.
• Work on the Kennedy half dollar: In 1963, Gasparro was commissioned to design the Kennedy half dollar. He based his design on a photograph of Kennedy taken by Philippe Halsman. Gasparro's design was approved by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964, and the Kennedy half dollar was first minted later that year.
• Other work: In addition to the Kennedy half dollar, Gasparro also designed the Eisenhower dollar, the Susan B. Anthony dollar, and the Sacagawea dollar. He also designed several commemorative coins, including the Apollo 11 commemorative half dollar and the Bicentennial commemorative half dollar.
• Legacy: Frank Gasparro is considered one of the most influential coin designers of the 20th century. His work is characterized by its simple, elegant, and timeless designs. The Kennedy half dollar is one of the most popular and recognizable coins in the United States today.

Frank Gasparro's work on the Kennedy half dollar is a testament to his skill as a coin designer. The coin is a beautiful and enduring tribute to President Kennedy and his legacy.

4. Sculptor

Gilroy Roberts was an American sculptor and coin designer. He is best known for his work on the Kennedy half dollar, which was first minted in 1964. Roberts' design for the Kennedy half dollar is a heraldic eagle landing on the Moon, commemorating the Apollo 11 moon landing.

Roberts' work on the Kennedy half dollar is a significant contribution to American coinage. The coin is a beautiful and enduring tribute to President Kennedy and his legacy. The eagle landing on the Moon is a powerful and iconic image that symbolizes American triumph, peace and unity, and hope and inspiration.

Roberts' work on the Kennedy half dollar is also a testament to his skill as a sculptor. The coin is a well-crafted and detailed work of art. The eagle is depicted with great realism and power. The coin is also a reminder of the importance of art in our lives. Coins are not just currency; they are also works of art that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

5. Composition

The 1985 Kennedy half dollar is composed of a copper-nickel clad layer over a pure copper core. This composition was first used on the Kennedy half dollar in 1965, and it is still used today. The clad layer is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel. The core is composed of 100% copper.

The clad layer is used to give the coin a more silver-like appearance. The copper core is used to provide strength and durability. The clad layer also helps to protect the copper core from corrosion.

The composition of the 1985 Kennedy half dollar is important because it affects the coin's appearance, durability, and value. The clad layer gives the coin a more attractive appearance than a coin made entirely of copper. The copper core provides strength and durability, which helps to keep the coin in good condition. The clad layer also helps to protect the copper core from corrosion, which can damage the coin's appearance and value.

6. Diameter

The diameter of the 1985 Kennedy half dollar is 30.61 mm. This is the same diameter as all Kennedy half dollars minted since 1964. The diameter of a coin is important because it affects the coin's weight, thickness, and overall appearance.

The diameter of the 1985 Kennedy half dollar is significant because it makes the coin easy to identify and distinguish from other coins. The coin is also the same size as many other common coins, such as the quarter and the dime. This makes it easy to use the Kennedy half dollar in vending machines and other coin-operated devices.

The diameter of the 1985 Kennedy half dollar is also important because it affects the coin's value. Coins with a larger diameter are often worth more than coins with a smaller diameter. This is because larger coins require more metal to produce. The Kennedy half dollar is a relatively large coin, which contributes to its value.

In conclusion, the diameter of the 1985 Kennedy half dollar is an important factor that affects the coin's weight, thickness, appearance, value, and usability.

7. Weight

The weight of the 1985 Kennedy half dollar is 11.34 grams. This is significant because it is the standard weight for all Kennedy half dollars minted since 1965, when the composition of the coin was changed from 90% silver to a copper-nickel clad over a pure copper core.

The weight of a coin is important because it affects its value. Coins that are heavier are often worth more than coins that are lighter, because they contain more precious metal. However, the Kennedy half dollar is not made of precious metal, so its weight does not affect its value in that way.

The weight of the Kennedy half dollar is important for other reasons, though. The weight of the coin affects its thickness and its overall appearance. The Kennedy half dollar is a relatively thick coin, which gives it a more substantial feel than some other coins. The weight of the coin also helps to keep it in good condition. Thicker coins are less likely to bend or become damaged than thinner coins.

In conclusion, the weight of the 1985 Kennedy half dollar is an important factor that affects the coin's value, appearance, and durability.

8. Mintage

The mintage of a coin refers to the number of coins that are produced by a mint in a given year. The mintage of the 1985 Kennedy half dollar was 610,758,027. This means that over 610 million Kennedy half dollars were minted in 1985.

• High mintage: The mintage of the 1985 Kennedy half dollar is relatively high compared to other commemorative coins. This is because the Kennedy half dollar is a circulating coin, which means that it is intended to be used in everyday transactions. As a result, the Mint produces a large number of Kennedy half dollars each year to meet the demand.
• Availability: The high mintage of the 1985 Kennedy half dollar means that the coin is relatively easy to find. Kennedy half dollars can be found in circulation, in bank rolls, and in coin shops. This makes the coin a good choice for collectors who are looking for a coin that is both affordable and easy to find.
• Value: The high mintage of the 1985 Kennedy half dollar also affects its value. Coins with a high mintage are generally worth less than coins with a low mintage. This is because high-mintage coins are more common, which makes them less desirable to collectors. As a result, the 1985 Kennedy half dollar is worth less than some other Kennedy half dollars with a lower mintage.
• Historical significance: Despite its high mintage, the 1985 Kennedy half dollar is still a significant coin. The coin commemorates the 20th anniversary of President Kennedy's assassination, and it is a reminder of his legacy. The 1985 Kennedy half dollar is also a popular coin among collectors, and it is often used in jewelry and other collectible items.

In conclusion, the mintage of the 1985 Kennedy half dollar is an important factor that affects the coin's availability, value, and historical significance.

FAQs about the 1985 Kennedy Half Dollar

The 1985 Kennedy half dollar is a popular and historically significant coin. Here are some frequently asked questions about this coin:

Question 1: What is the difference between the 1985 Kennedy half dollar and other Kennedy half dollars?

The 1985 Kennedy half dollar is the first coin in the United States to feature a clad layer. Clad coins are less expensive to produce than solid silver coins, and they are also more durable.

Question 2: How much is a 1985 Kennedy half dollar worth?

The value of a 1985 Kennedy half dollar depends on its condition and rarity. However, most 1985 Kennedy half dollars are worth between $0.50 and $1.00.

Question 3: Is the 1985 Kennedy half dollar made of silver?

No, the 1985 Kennedy half dollar is not made of silver. It is composed of a copper-nickel clad layer over a pure copper core.

Question 4: Why is the 1985 Kennedy half dollar significant?

The 1985 Kennedy half dollar is significant because it commemorates the 20th anniversary of President Kennedy's assassination. It is also the first coin in the United States to feature a clad layer.

Question 5: Where can I find a 1985 Kennedy half dollar?

1985 Kennedy half dollars can be found in circulation, in bank rolls, and in coin shops. They are also available for purchase online.

These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about the 1985 Kennedy half dollar. For more information, please consult a reputable coin dealer or reference book.

Summary: The 1985 Kennedy half dollar is a popular and historically significant coin. It is the first coin in the United States to feature a clad layer, and it commemorates the 20th anniversary of President Kennedy's assassination. While most 1985 Kennedy half dollars are worth between $0.50 and $1.00, some rare varieties can be worth significantly more.

Transition: To learn more about the 1985 Kennedy half dollar and other coins, please visit our website or contact a reputable coin dealer.

Conclusion

The 1985 Kennedy half dollar is a significant coin in American history. It commemorates the 20th anniversary of President Kennedy's assassination, and it is the first coin in the United States to feature a clad layer.

The 1985 Kennedy half dollar is a reminder of President Kennedy's legacy and his commitment to space exploration. It is also a reminder of the American spirit of innovation and achievement.

The 1985 Kennedy half dollar is a popular coin among collectors and a fitting tribute to a great president.

To learn more about the 1985 Kennedy half dollar and other coins, please visit our website or contact a reputable coin dealer.