1965 Half Dollar Pattern - J-2131

Coin Details

Description

An experimental half dollar pattern from 1965, struck during the critical transition period when the Mint was converting from silver to clad coinage. The half dollar presented unique challenges in the clad conversion because, unlike the dime and quarter which moved entirely to copper-nickel clad, the half dollar retained a reduced silver content (40% silver clad) from 1965 through 1970 before finally transitioning to the standard copper-nickel clad composition in 1971. J-2131 tests a specific experimental composition or design variant for the half dollar denomination, documenting the Mint's systematic evaluation of alternatives during this transformative period. The Kennedy half dollar design by Gilroy Roberts (obverse) and Frank Gasparro (reverse) had entered production only in 1964 following President Kennedy's assassination, and any composition change needed to preserve the design's visual qualities — particularly the high-relief portrait that Roberts had modeled from his earlier Kennedy inaugural medal. This pattern reflects the technical challenge of maintaining design fidelity across different metallic substrates.

Rarity Notes

R-7 to R-8 (Extremely Rare). Experimental half dollar patterns from the clad transition are very scarce, with most retained by the Mint.

Cross References

Judd J-2131