1893 World Columbian Exposition USA Half Dollar

USA Half Dollars (50 cents or Halfs) were first minted in 1794 and continues (most years) until today. It is the largest United States denomination in current circulation although it is not commonly used today. Until 1965 the half-dollar was around 90% silver but now is a sliver clad (coated) coin.

Main Varieties of the Half Dollar:

Silver half dollars


40% silver half dollars

    Kennedy 1965–1970
    Kennedy 1976 (only collectors sets produced with 40% silver)

Copper-nickel clad half dollars

    Kennedy 1971–1974, 1977–present
    Kennedy Bicentennial 1975–1976 (all dated 1776-1976)
    
Diameter is 30.61 mm (1.205 in) and thickness of 2.15 mm (0.085 in).The United States Mint is part of the Department of the Treasury and is responsible for producing coinage for the United States. It has four coin-producing facilities in current use:

• Philadelphia Mint, the largest facility. It was founded in 1792. It has a mint mark of 'P' although the early coins minted there do not carry a mint mark. The 'P' was added to most coins after 1980.
• Denver Mint, Colorado. The mint started in 1906. The mint mark is 'D'.
• San Francisco Mint Facility of the US Mint was created in 1854 to cater for the California Gold Rush. The current Mint buildings have been used since 1937. Mint mark is 'S'.
• West Point Mint Facility, New York. Founded in 1792.  Mintmark is 'W'.

In the past the US Mint has also used Carson City ('CC') and New Orleans ('O').
The United States of America (USA), commonly known as the United States (U.S.) or America, is a constitutional federal republic composed of 50 states. It's currency is the Dollar (USD $1) and that is equivalent to 100 cents.

The United States mints many famous coins in gold, silver and lesser metals. The USA has several Mints, such as Philadelphia, San Francisco, West Point (NY) and Denver.