The half dollar has been produced every year in the US since the US Mint was formed in 1794. Up until 1964 quarters were made of 90% silver, then from 1965 to 1969 they were made of 40% silver, and and from 1971 onward they’re copper-nickel clad. In the past half dollars were widely used, but demand dropped after the move away from silver and eventually production for circulation stopped in 2001). The following half dollar design variations were minted for general circulation: Flowing Hair half dollar (1794-1795), Draped Bust half dollar (1796-1807), Capped Bust half dollar (1807-1839), Seated Liberty half dollar (1839-1891), Barber half dollar (1892-1915), Walking Liberty half dollar (1916-1947), Franklin half dollar (1948-1963), Kennedy 90% silver half dollar (1964). Kennedy 40% silver half dollar (1965-1969), Kennedy copper-nickel clad half dollar (1971-2002). From 2002 onward Kennedy half dollars have been made to satisfy the demand of collectors but not for general circulation.