And in 1965, the other denominations dropped their silver content as part of the US Mint’s response to the silver spike of the sixties. The Kennedy Half Dollar came out in 1964. Another reason for its affinity was a by-product of the 1960s coin shortage. That said, the coin itself proved quite popular, partly because JFK was so beloved. And six decades later, wild theories still surround his death. This is because it was produced to mark the assassination of JFK, the 35 th US President. The story of the Half Dollar is often wrapped in conspiracy. Let’s learn more about the 1977 Half Dollar Value and its statistics. Kennedy, one of the most popular presidents in US history. Since $1 coins are rarely used in daily transactions, the Half Dollar is the largest circulating coin, both in size and denomination.