The United States Mint has unveiled a temporary redesign of the Kennedy half dollar for 2026 as part of the country’s Semiquincentennial celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of American independence.
According to the Mint, the one-year-only design will replace the long-running John F. Kennedy obverse for circulating and collector versions issued during 2026 before the Kennedy portrait returns in 2027.
The new “Enduring Liberty” design features a close-up image of the Statue of Liberty on the obverse, replacing Kennedy’s portrait for the first time since the series was introduced in 1964.
The reverse depicts Liberty passing her torch to a new generation alongside a quotation from U.S. president James Madison reading, “Knowledge is the only guardian of true liberty.”
The Mint said the design is intended to symbolize resilience, hope and the continuing ideals of freedom as the United States approaches its 250th anniversary.
Collectors will be able to purchase the coins in two-roll sets and 200-coin bags, with the Mint promoting the products as commemorative keepsakes connected to the anniversary celebrations.
The redesigned half dollar will form part of the broader 2026 Semiquincentennial coin program expected to generate significant collector interest across the United States.
The Mint also announced that beginning in 2027, the half dollar series will launch a new four-year reverse design program celebrating youth sports and Paralympic sports.
The Kennedy portrait is scheduled to return to the obverse in 2027 following the conclusion of the 2026 anniversary program.