The design will be similar to the original Kennedy half dollars, with some minor tweaks. In 1964, just one month after his assassination, officials from the U.S. Mint met with Jacqueline and Robert Kennedy to get approval for the design of a new silver half dollar featuring JFK's profile as tribute. He would replace Ben Franklin. Jacqueline Kennedy had some minor suggestions to change the engraving but they were not possible at the time due to technological limitations with the engraving process.
As those original half dollars were the only coins in circulation still containing precious metal, they were frequently hoarded and eventually rarely found in circulation.
It was reissued in the 1990s without the silver and with a more detailed, defined portrait, showcasing Kennedy's tousled, "spaghetti hair" and more chiseled cheekbones.
Advancements in engraving technology have allowed the new gold coins to be more in line with the Kennedy widow's original wishes and the image will be closer to his actual likeness.
Designed by chief mint sculptor Gilroy Roberts, the coins will contain three-quarters of a troy ounce of .9999 fine, 24-karat gold and each coin will include a certificate of authenticity and come in a brown mahogany case. They will be available for sale on August 5, 2014 via http://www.usmint.gov/. The final price is yet to be determined.
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