The half dollar coin has been a part of the United States currency since 1794. It was first introduced as part of the Coinage Act of 1792, which established the U.S. Mint and the first coins to be minted. The half dollar coin was originally made of silver, but in 1965 it was changed to a copper-nickel alloy. The half dollar coin has been used for many different purposes throughout its history. It was used to pay for goods and services, as well as to commemorate important events. For example, the half dollar coin was used to commemorate the bicentennial of the United States in 1976. It was also used to commemorate the Apollo 11 mission in 1969. The half dollar coin has also been used to honor important figures in American history. For example, the half dollar coin was used to honor President John F. Kennedy in 1964. It was also used to honor the first African-American Supreme Court Justice, Thurgood Marshall, in 1991. The half dollar coin is still in circulation today, although it is not as widely used as it once was. It is still a popular coin for collectors, and it is still used to commemorate important events and figures in American history. The half dollar coin is a reminder of the rich history of the United States and its currency.