Half dollar facts for kids
The United States Half Dollar is a special coin in the US. It's the biggest coin made today that you can still use. It measures about 1.2 inches across and is 0.08 inches thick. This coin is worth half of a dollar, which is the same as 50 cents.
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What is a Half Dollar?
The half dollar is worth quite a bit compared to other small coins. You would need 50 pennies to equal one half dollar. It's also worth 10 nickels, 5 dimes, or 2 quarters. This makes it a unique coin in your pocket change!
Who is on the Half Dollar?
The person you see on the front of the half dollar coin is John F. Kennedy. He was a very important US president. He served as president in the early 1960s. The half dollar was first made with his image in 1964 to honor him after his death.
Size and Weight
The half dollar is not only the largest in size, but it's also heavier than many other coins. For example, a half dollar weighs twice as much as a quarter dollar. This makes it feel quite substantial when you hold it.
Where Can You Find Them?
Even though half dollars are still being minted (which means made), they are not very common. You might find it hard to get them at most banks or in everyday stores. This is because most people don't use half dollar coins as much anymore for daily shopping. They are more often collected by coin enthusiasts.
Images for kids
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The obverse side of a United States half dollar
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Newfoundland 50-cent piece from 1908 depicting King Edward VII
