The half dollar saw heavy use in the first half of the twentieth century. They were a commonly used in casinos and card rooms for 50 cent antes. There were even coin slots that took in, and payed out, in half dollars. With the exception of movie theatres and casinos the use of the half dollar in circulation has dropped dramatically.

When the Kennedy Half first came on the scene, it was hoarded for sentimental value. By the time that mintage could match demand and the coin was changed to be made of the same material as dimes and quarters, both businesses and the public had changed to a world in which the hald dollar did not regularly circulate. People were depending more on quarters.

Most coins get circulated from businesses change drawers. But even their drawers have changed to not include the half dollar, and since most vending machines in the United States don't talk half dollars, it further curtails the circulation.

But for sleight of hand magicians in America specializing in coin magic, the half dollar is the preferred coin for both its size and weight.