At 2.15 millimeters, the U.S. half-dollar coin is the thickest U.S. coin currently in circulation.
At 2.15 millimeters, which u.s. coin is the thickest?
At 2.15 millimeters, the U.S. half-dollar coin is the thickest U.S. coin currently in circulation.
This coin, also known as the Kennedy half-dollar, is indeed 2.15 mm thick, making it thicker than any other standard circulating U.S. coin, including the dollar coin, quarter, dime, nickel, and penny. While not as commonly seen in daily transactions as smaller denominations, half-dollars are still produced by the U.S. Mint and remain legal tender, often collected or used for specific purposes, such as vending machines or coin-operated laundries that accept larger coins, though their widespread circulation declined after 1964 when their silver content was reduced and eventually removed, as detailed by the U.S. Mint.
Beyond its thickness, the Kennedy half-dollar has a diameter of 30.61 millimeters and weighs 11.34 grams, making it the largest and heaviest of all U.S. circulating coinage. For comparison, the Sacagawea dollar coin, another larger denomination, measures 2.00 mm thick, while the quarter is 1.75 mm thick, highlighting the half-dollar's distinction in physical dimensions. Understanding these specifications is important for collectors and anyone interested in the physical properties of U.S. currency, as documented by resources like Wikipedia, which provides comprehensive data on coin specifications. The coin's significant size and weight contribute to its unique feel and appearance compared to other denominations, a characteristic that differentiates it in both practical use and numismatic value, according to insights from the American Numismatic Association.
