The half dollar, valued at 50 cents, is one of the largest coins in U.S. circulation and carries a unique role in the nation’s currency system. Unlike smaller denominations such as the penny, nickel, dime, or quarter, the half dollar is less commonly encountered in everyday transactions, yet it remains a coin of significance both culturally and historically. Its value—half of a dollar—makes it a natural bridge between coins and paper money, embodying the idea of balance and transition within the monetary system.

One of the most striking aspects of the half dollar is its practical utility in larger sums. While quarters are often used to build up to a dollar, the half dollar simplifies the process by representing fifty cents in a single coin. This makes it efficient for transactions that require higher amounts of change, though its size and weight have limited its popularity in modern commerce. Still, in contexts like casinos, commemorative issues, and coin collections, the half dollar continues to hold a respected place.

The half dollar also carries symbolic meaning. Its denomination represents equality and division—half of a whole—making it a coin that naturally embodies balance. For children learning about money, the half dollar is often the first coin that introduces the concept of fractions beyond quarters. Two half dollars equal a dollar, and this simple arithmetic makes the coin a teaching tool as well as a financial instrument.

Culturally, the half dollar has been tied to themes of honor and remembrance. Since 1964, the coin has featured John F. Kennedy, the 35th president of the United States, on its obverse. His portrait was chosen as a tribute following his assassination in 1963, and the coin quickly became a symbol of national mourning and respect. The Kennedy half dollar remains one of the most iconic coins in circulation, even though it is not widely used in everyday transactions.

In everyday life, the half dollar is less common than other coins, but when encountered, it often feels special. Its larger size makes it stand out in the hand, and its value makes it practical for certain uses, such as rolls of coins or commemorative sets. For collectors, the half dollar is a favorite because of its historical designs, from the Walking Liberty to the Franklin half dollar, and its enduring association with Kennedy.