In May 1969, the Treasury sought authorization to eliminate the half dollar’s silver content, changing it to the same
copper-nickel clad composition as the dime and quarter hoping that with the removal of the silver content, the half dollar coin would cease to be hoarded and again circulate. The Treasury also sought approval to strike copper-nickel clad one dollar coins, which would fill a need for gaming tokens in Western casinos. Former president Dwight D. Eisenhower had died recently, and there was discussion of placing Eisenhower’s likeness on the new dollar. Despite popular support some in the House of Representatives disliked the idea of depicting Eisenhower on a base metal coin. The dispute dragged on for over a year before President Nixon signed a bill on December 31, 1970 which authorized production of the Eisenhower dollar and eliminated the 40% silver content from the half dollar. As a result of the delay, the 1970 uncirculated (non-proof) half dollars were struck only at the Denver mint and were available solely in mint sets, making it the first US coin struck in circulation quality and not issued for circulation. With a mintage of 2,150,000, the 1970-D Kennedy half is considered the first “key” coin in the series. It should be noted that 2,038,134 sets were sold and there is no record of the disposition of those not issued in sets. Collectors can add one to their collections for under $25.00, although in certified grades MS 66 and higher they are scarce and more costly, and PL’s can be considered rare.