HALF DOLLAR Meaning and
Definition
-
A half dollar is a monetary denomination valued at fifty cents, often referred to as "50 cents" or "$0.50". It is a coin used in the United States currency system. The half dollar coin is minted and issued by the U.S. Mint, an agency of the United States Department of the Treasury.
The half dollar typically features the portrait of an important historical figure on the obverse side, such as John F. Kennedy, Benjamin Franklin, or Liberty. The reverse side typically showcases an emblematic design, such as the Great Seal of the United States or an American eagle.
The half dollar has undergone various designs and compositions throughout its history. In the modern era, it is composed of a cupronickel alloy, which is a combination of copper and nickel. Earlier versions were made of silver, but these are now less common and primarily considered collectibles.
Although the half dollar is still minted, it is not as commonly used in circulation today as coins of lesser denominations, such as quarters or dimes. However, it remains legal tender and can be used for transactions. Collectors and numismatists often seek out half dollars, particularly those with historical significance, rare mintages, or unique characteristics.
Common Misspellings for HALF DOLLAR
- galf dollar
- balf dollar
- nalf dollar
- jalf dollar
- ualf dollar
- yalf dollar
- hzlf dollar
- hslf dollar
- hwlf dollar
- hqlf dollar
- hakf dollar
- hapf dollar
- haof dollar
- hald dollar
- halc dollar
- halv dollar
- halg dollar
- halt dollar
- halr dollar
Etymology of HALF DOLLAR
The word "half dollar" originated from the combination of "half" and "dollar".
The term "dollar" can be traced back to the late 16th century, derived from the German word "Taler" or "Thaler", which was the name of a large silver coin used in Europe. The Thaler gained popularity as a trade coin and was eventually adopted by various countries, including the Thirteen Colonies of North America.
During the colonial era, the Spanish dollar, also known as the Spanish piece of eight, was a prevalent coin in circulation. The Spanish dollar was divided into eight "bits" or "reales", with one bit representing an eighth of the coin. As a result, the term "bit" became synonymous with twenty-five cents.
In the early United States, the Coinage Act of 1792 established the U.S. dollar as the official currency unit.
Similar spelling words for HALF DOLLAR
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
