We use U.S. coins every day. But how often do we take a minute to examine the coins closely?
Can you name who’s on the dime? Or what’s on the backside of the nickel?
The Kennedy half dollars, or 50 cent pieces, were minted using 40% silver from 1965 - 1970. Meanwhile, dimes and quarters which had been 90% silver otherwise referred to as a junk silver coin, were produced as clad coins with zero silver content starting in 1965.
Don’t worry if you can’t, many of us are on the same boat. By the end of this short article, you’ll know who’s on every single U.S. coin and when they were minted.
Each coin has either a president, national sites, or u.s. territories on them.
Contents
- The 1974 Kennedy Half Dollar is a very common coin as the Mint struck a little over 200 million examples for circulation. The mintage is also more than double than that of the Denver struck Kennedy Half Dollars from the same year. Only in MS66 condition or higher is the 1974-P considered scarce and any example in this condition or higher is.
- Kennedy Half Dollar Coin Legislation April 3, 2017 - Public Law 88-256 88th Congress, H.R. 9413 December 30, 1963 77 STAT. An Act To provide for the coinage of 50-cent pieces bearing the likeness of John Fitzgerald Kennedy.
- 9 Historical Data of US Coinage
Presidents on US Coins
Here are the presidents and faces on all the common U.S coins:
Name of Coin | Denomination (value) | Face on U.S. Coins | Picture of Coin | Mint Dates |
---|---|---|---|---|
Half Cent | $0.005 | Draped Bust | 1792 – 1857 | |
Penny | $0.01 | President Abraham Lincoln | 1909 – present | |
Nickel | $0.05 | President Thomas Jefferson | 1866 – present | |
Dime | $0.10 | President Franklin D. Roosevelt | 1796 – present | |
Quarter | $0.25 | President George Washington | 1796, 1804–1807, 1815–1828, 1831–1932, 1934-present | |
Half Dollar | $0.50 | President John F. Kennedy | 1794 – present | |
Eisenhower Dollar | $1.00 | President Dwight David Eisenhower | 1971 – 1978 | |
American Silver Eagle | $1.00 | Lady Liberty | 1986 – present | |
Susan B. Anthony Dollar | $1.00 | Susan B. Anthony | 1979-1981, 1999 | |
Sacagawea Dollar | $1.00 | Sacagawea | 2000 – present | |
Presidential Dollar Coins | $1.00 | The first 40 presidents starting from George Washington and ending with Ronal d Reagan | 2007 – 2016 |
Image source: Wikipedia
Who is on The half-cent?
The half-cent is the only US coin without someone recognizable on it. Depending on the year it was minted, the US half-cent depicts the Liberty Cap, Draped Bust, or the Classic Head. These are all busts and don’t depict anyone in particular.
The half-cent is the lowest denomination of US currency and was first minted in 1793. Production of the half-cent ended in 1857.
Who is on The Penny?
President Abraham Lincoln has been on the US penny since 1909.
The backside of the penny shows the Lincoln Memorial. However, in 2010, a new backside design was implemented.
This new design depicts the Union Shield. You can see what that looks like below:
Fun fact: In 2010, the metal that is used to create pennies rose in price: $0.02 for each penny created. This led to the penny debate being front-focus of the news cycle for a time. However there no plans to eliminate the penny as of now.
Who is on The Nickel?
President Thomas Jefferson is on the nickel. The reverse side of the nickel depicts Jefferson’s home, Monticello.
While the nickel has been in production since 1866, the Thomas Jefferson nickel we all know so well didn’t get a mink mark until 1938. In fact, it was the 4th iteration of the design on the nickel.
From 1866 to 1883, the nickel was adorned by a shield and known as the Shield nickel. The design on the nickel changed again in 1883 to depict the Liberty Head.
This was done in an attempt to increase the usage and popularity of the nickel. This design lasted until 1913, when President Theodore Roosevelt hired a sculptor to make us coins more artistic and better-looking.
The sculptor, Augustus Saint-Gaudens, the famous Buffalo nickel. 25 years later, the US Mint held a competition to find a new nickel design.
Felix Schlag won the competition with Thomas Jefferson’s face on the frontside and his Monticello home on the backside.
Buffalo Nickel | Liberty Head Nickel | Shield Nickel |
---|
Who is on The Dime?
President Franklin D. Roosevelt is on the dime.
Just like the nickel, the dime has gone through many design changes since it was originally minted in 1796. Here are the six different designs:
- Draped Bust (1796-1807)
- Capped Bust (1809 – 1837)
- Seated Liberty (1837 – 1891)
- Barber (1892 – 1916)
- Mercury (1916 – 1945)
- Roosevelt (1946 – now)
Who is on The Quarter?
President George Washington is on the quarter.
The reverse side of the quarter showed an eagle until the 1999 50 State Quarters Program. This program, which lasted from 1999 to 2008, featured special designs for each U.S. state on the reverse side of the quarter.
Who is on the 50 cent coin (half dollar)?
The 50 cent coin, also known as the half dollar, features the face of President John F. Kennedy.
The reverse side of the half dollar depicts the Seal of the President of the United States.
The half-dollar has been in production since 1794 and has gone through many design changes since then:
- Flowing Hair (1794–1795)
- Draped Bust (1796–1807)
- Capped Bust (1807–1839)
- Seated Liberty (1839–1891)
- Barber (1892–1915)
- Walking Liberty (1916–1947)
- Franklin (1948–1963)
- Kennedy (1964)
- Kennedy (1992–present)
Who is on The Dollar Coin?
Sacagawea (and her child) are on the most common dollar coin.
However, there are plenty of designs of the dollar coin which are still in circulation.
The Eisenhower dollar depicts the likeness of President Dwight David Eisenhower. It was minted from 1971 to 1978
The Susan B Anthony dollar depicts, you guessed it, Susan B. Anthony. This version of the dollar coin was minted from 1979 to 1981 and then again in 1999.
The Sacagawea dollar was first minted in 2000 is still being produced today.
Wondering how much a dollar coin weighs? Or how about a penny?
Want to find out how to change coins hassle-free?
Historical Data of US Coinage
The minute you catch up with a glimpse of coins, have you ever thought about this fact how they had been evolved and designed? Here we are going to tell you!
Likewise, you have heard and read about the older civilizations, in the same way, this US coinage came and evolved during the late time of the 1700s.
During that time, people prefer to trade with the use of foreign coins. This was marked and considered as a unique piece of currency.
Below you can see the respective details that how these coins have evolved and make their place in the United States:
Beginning of The era of Coins in the U.S.A
It was in the year of 1792 that American Congress manages to pass the country’s very first of its kind of coinage act. From this, it was thereby concluded that the United States Mint was officially given this duty and responsibility.
In this zone, an extensive amount of research was put forward and officially contributed right by Thomas Jefferson as well as Benjamin.
They gave their ideas and suggestions towards the early versions and formats of the coins.
All About the Dollar Coin History
Whenever we say this word and term of “dollar”, then it comes out to be synonymous all with American currency.
The overall idea and conception of US coinage, it came into being just to discourage and demotivate people from trading in some other kind of foreign currencies.
When these U.S. coins were launched and introduced, then at that time, there were not officially recognized and marked as in the form of legal tender.
But then they made their permanent mark and position.
All About Sacagawea Dollar Coin
Silver Kennedy Half Dollars
Talking about this Sacagawea dollar coin, it was launched right by the U.S. Mint. A native woman was commemorated on this coin with this same and exact name.
Most noteworthy, that woman joined Lewis and also Clark all on their expedition. They explored the unknown territory located and present in the Western States.
That whole and entire journey were tough, difficult, and dangerous. Sacagawea got an immense and wide amount of popularity and she was later on acknowledged and honored with statues.
This one is a gold-colored coin released.
Details About The Evolution of Coins
This happened during the time of 1950s when a new act was introduced and heard by people.
That act was related and linked to the modification and bringing changes in the metallic composition of the coins.
It was allowed that a few of the coins like that of dimes and quarters, they can now be produced and made without using any kind of silver.
Furthermore, it was granted that coins can be made of manganese, copper or they can be made of nickel.
So far in the zones of the United States, this coin collecting habit is a popular habit pursued by people.
They love collecting and also cataloging historic and ancient American coins. If you have kept such a collection of coins, then share that with us.
Interested in U.S. currency besides U.S. coins?
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The fifty cent coin was first introduced with decimal currency on 14 February 1966. The original design featured the Commonwealth Coat of Arms struck on a coin made from 80% silver. However as the silver price rose above the face value of the coin the Mint suspended striking of the coin in March 1968.
Although it was rumoured that the Mint had lost money striking the fifty cent, all the metal used in the manufacture of the 36.5 million coins produced was purchased before the price rises.
Apart from the uneconomic cost of continuing the issue of the silver fifty cent coins, increasing confusion arose regarding the similarity in sizes between the circular fifty cent and the twenty cent coin. The decision to reissue a fifty cent coin considered not only a change to materials but also different shapes to help solve the confusion with the twenty cents.
A new shape and alloy was reintroduced into circulation in September 1969.
This denomination has since been used for commemorative designs.
Nominal specifications
1966 | 1969 - present |
Composition: 80% Silver - 20 % Copper | Composition: 75% Copper - 25% Nickel |
Shape: Circular | Shape: Dodecagonal |
Edge: Milled | Edge: Plain |
Mass: 13.28 grams | Mass: 15.55 grams |
Diameter: 31.65 millimetres | Diameter: 31.65 millimetres (across flats) |
Mintage Figures
Reverse Design | Design Details | Year | Mintage (millions) | Mint* |
---|---|---|---|---|
Commonwealth Coat of Arms sculpted by Stuart Devlin | 1966 | 36.5 | RAM | |
No fifty cent coins were produced in 1967 or 1968 | 1967 1968 | - - | - - | |
Commonwealth Coat of Arms sculpted by Stuart Devlin | 1969 | 14.0 | RAM | |
Commemorating the bicentenary of James Cook’s 1770 voyage. Based on a painting by John Webber. The inclusion of Cook’s signature was thought to be the first use of a facsimile signature on a coin. Designed by Stuart Devlin. | 1970 | 16.5 | RAM | |
Commonwealth Coat of Arms sculpted by Stuart Devlin | 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 | 21.1 5.6 4.0 9.0 19.1 27.3 | RAM RAM RAM RAM RAM RAM | |
Commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Accession of Queen Elizabeth II. Based on a central wattle blossom symbol of Australia surrounded by 25 overlapping crowns. Designed by Stuart Devlin. | 1977 | 25.0 | RAM | |
Commonwealth Coat of Arms sculpted by Stuart Devlin | 1978 1979 1980 1981 | 25.8 24.9 38.7 24.1 | RAM RAM RAM RAM | |
Commemorating the marriage of HRH the Prince of Wales and Lady Diana Spencer. Designed by Stuart Devlin. | 1981 | 20.0 | RMLL | |
Commemorating the Brisbane XII Commonwealth Games. Incorporates the Games symbol designed by Hugh Edwards to reflect the form of a kangaroo in full flight. Designed by Stuart Devlin. | 1982 | 49.6 | RAM | |
Commonwealth Coat of Arms sculpted by Stuart Devlin | 1983 1984 1985 | 48.9 26.3 1.0 | RAM RAM RAM | |
No fifty cent coins were produced in 1986 and 1987 | 1986 1987 | - - | - - | |
Commemorating the Australian Bicentenary. Designed by Michael MacLellan Tracey. | 1988 | 9.0 | RAM | |
No fifty cent coins were produced in 1989 and 1990 | 1989 1990 | - - | RAM RAM | |
Celebrating the 25th anniversary of decimal currency. The original image of the stud ram Uardry 0.1 by George Kruger Gray used on the shilling from 1937 to 1964 was reworked by designer Horst Hahne. | 1991 | 4.7 | RAM | |
No fifty cent coins were produced in 1992 | 1992 | - | - | |
Commonwealth Coat of Arms sculpted by Stuart Devlin | 1993 | 1.0 | RAM | |
Celebrating the United Nations International Year of the Family. Designed by Carolyn Rosser. | 1994 | 21.3 | RAM | |
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the end of World War 2. Designed by Louis Laumen and Horst Hahne, sculpted by Horst Hahne. | 1995 | 15.9 | RAM | |
Commonwealth Coat of Arms sculpted by Stuart Devlin | 1996 1997 | 19.3 4.3 | RAM RAM | |
Commemorating the 200th anniversary of the voyage of Bass and Flinders. Designed by Vladimir Gottwald. | 1998 | 22.4 | RAM | |
Commonwealth Coat of Arms sculpted by Stuart Devlin | 1999 | 20.3 | RAM | |
Celebrating the millennium. Designed and sculpted by Vladimir Gottwald | 2000 | 16.6 | RAM | |
Commemorating the visit of Queen Elizabeth II. Designed and sculpted by Vladimir Gottwald. | 2000 | 5.1 | RAM | |
Commemorating the Centenary of Federation. Featuring the 1912 Commonwealth Coat of Arms granted by King George V. | 2001 | 43.1 | RAM | |
Commemorating the Centenary of Federation. Featuring the Coat of Arms of Canberra, granted by King George V in 1928. Designed by CR Wylie. | 2001 | 2.0 | RAM | |
Commemorating the Centenary of Federation. Featuring the Coat of Arms of NSW, granted by King Edward VII in 1906. Designed by William Applegate Gullick. | 2001 | 3.0 | RAM | |
Commemorating the Centenary of Federation. Featuring the Coat of Arms of Norfolk Island, granted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1980. | 2001 | 2.2 | RAM | |
Commemorating the Centenary of Federation. Featuring the Coat of Arms of the Northern Territory, granted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1978. | 2001 | 2.1 | RAM | |
Commemorating the Centenary of Federation. Featuring the Coat of Arms of Queensland, the oldest in Australia, granted by Queen Victoria in 1893. | 2001 | 2.3 | RAM | |
Commemorating the Centenary of Federation. Featuring the Coat of Arms of South Australia, granted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1984, replacing the original granted in 1936. | 2001 | 2.4 | RAM | |
Commemorating the Centenary of Federation. Featuring the Coat of Arms of Tasmania, granted by King George V in 1917. | 2001 | 2.2 | RAM | |
Commemorating the Centenary of Federation. Featuring the Coat of Arms of Victoria, granted by King George V in 1910. | 2001 | 2.8 | RAM | |
Commemorating the Centenary of Federation. Featuring the Coat of Arms of Western Australia, granted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1969. | 2001 | 2.4 | RAM | |
Commemorating the Year of the Outback. Designed and sculpted by Wojciech Pietranik. | 2002 | 11.5 | RAM | |
Commemorating Australia’s volunteers. Designed and sculpted by Vladimir Gottwald. | 2003 | 13.9 | RAM | |
Primary School design competition winner John Serrano. Sculpted by Vladimir Gottwald. | 2004 | 10.2 | RAM | |
Commonwealth Coat of Arms sculpted by Stuart Devlin | 2004 | 17.9 | RAM | |
Commemorating the 60th anniversary of the end of World War 2. This design was inspired by a photograph in the Australian War Memorial collection of a scene of a burial at El Alamein in 1942. Designed and sculpted by Wojciech Pietranik. | 2005 | 26.6 | RAM | |
Secondary School Commonwealth Games Design competition winner. Designed by Kelly Just. Sculpted by Vladimir Gottwald. | 2005 | 20.5 | RAM | |
Commonwealth Coat of Arms sculpted by Stuart Devlin | 2006 2007 2008 2009 | 59.3 19.9 33.0 19.0 | RAM RAM RAM RAM | |
Commemorating Australia Day. Designed and sculpted by Vladimir Gottwald. | 2010 | 11.4 | RAM | |
Commonwealth Coat of Arms sculpted by Stuart Devlin | 2010 2011 2012 2013 | 22.2 14.4 17.6 18.8 | RAM RAM RAM RAM | |
Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies – AIATSIS. Featuring the AIATSIS logo, based on the boomerang totem of the Gu’na’ni (Kunjen) people of North Queensland. | 2014 | 3.0 | RAM | |
Commonwealth Coat of Arms sculpted by Stuart Devlin | 2014 2015 | 17.7 19.4 | RAM RAM | |
2016 obverse design to celebrate the 50th anniversary of decimal currency | 2016 | 7.0 | RAM | |
Commonwealth Coat of Arms sculpted by Stuart Devlin | 2016 | 25.5 | RAM | |
50th anniversary of the 1967 referendum and the 25th anniversary of the Mabo decision. Designed in collaboration with Boneta-Marie Mabo, and Eddie ‘Koiki’ Mabo’s granddaughter. | 2017 | 1.4 | RAM | |
Commonwealth Coat of Arms sculpted by Stuart Devlin | 2017 2018 | 8.2 3.7 | RAM RAM | |
The Royal Australian Mint along with AIATSIS recognises 2019 as the International Year of Indigenous Languages. Further information on the words and languages featured on the coin can be found here | 2019 | 2.1 | RAM | |
Commonwealth Coat of Arms sculpted by Stuart Devlin | 2019(IRB) 2019 (JC 2020 (JC) | 0.24 0.07 0.09** | RAM RAM RAM |
Notes for using these tables: These are final mintages where the numbers have been published in an Annual Report and all coins have been issued. Items marked not available will be updated when they pass the Annual Report and issue test.
*RAM = Royal Australian Mint; RMLL = Royal Mint, Llantrisant
50 Cent Coin Name
** Partial Numbers for 2020 - Total production to be confirmed, once the 2020-2021 Annual Report is released.