The US 1978 Half Dollar, designed by Gilroy Roberts, featured President John F. Kennedy, symbolizing national unity and resilience. Struck in a copper-nickel clad composition, it reflected the U.S. transition away from silver, aligning with modern economic policies. The coin circulated primarily in banks and casinos, as public use declined due to inflation and changing transaction habits.
In 1978, the stagflation crisis saw rising inflation and unemployment, influencing monetary policy. The US 1978 Half Dollar represented a shift in coinage materials to maintain affordability. Roberts’ iconic Kennedy design reinforced national identity, while the copper-nickel alloy reflected economic adjustments in a turbulent financial era.