The US 2004 Half Dollar, featuring John F. Kennedy, retained the original 1964 design by Gilroy Roberts and Frank Gasparro. Although no major design changes occurred, the coin reflected continued admiration for Kennedy amid political shifts during George W. Bush’s presidency. The US 2004 Half Dollar, struck mainly in copper-nickel, echoed changing economic priorities away from silver.
In 2004, America was engaged in the Iraq War, and national sentiment leaned heavily on symbols of unity. The US 2004 Half Dollar served as a subtle reminder of leadership and idealism. Its unchanged design and metal composition highlighted economic pragmatism and patriotic continuity.