Are 1971 Half Dollars Silver? And What Are They Worth?

Many people wonder if 1971 half dollars contain silver. The composition of U.S. coinage has evolved significantly over time, shifting from precious metals to modern clad compositions. Understanding this evolution helps clarify the historical context and potential worth of these coins.

The End of Silver in Half Dollars

The transition away from silver in United States coinage was driven by rising silver prices and increased demand in the 1960s. Before 1965, most U.S. dimes, quarters, and half dollars contained substantial silver. The Coinage Act of 1965 eliminated silver entirely from dimes and quarters, and reduced the half dollar’s silver content from 90% to 40%.

This 40% silver composition was used for Kennedy half dollars minted from 1965 to 1970. However, continued demand for silver led to further legislative action. In 1971, silver was completely removed from the half dollar. Half dollars minted from 1971 onward are composed of a copper-nickel clad, specifically 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel. This made the 1971 half dollar the first of its denomination struck without any silver for general circulation.

Distinguishing Silver from Clad Coins

Identifying whether a half dollar contains silver involves examining its physical characteristics. The most straightforward method is to inspect the coin’s edge. Silver coins typically display a uniform, solid silver color along their edge. In contrast, clad coins, like the 1971 half dollar, reveal a visible copper stripe or layer between the outer silver-colored layers, often described as a “sandwich” appearance. This copper core is a clear indicator of a non-silver composition.

Another useful technique is the “ring test,” which involves gently balancing the coin on a fingertip and tapping it with another coin. Silver coins produce a distinct, high-pitched, and sustained ringing sound, whereas clad coins emit a duller thud or a shorter, less resonant tone. While not always definitive on its own, this auditory difference can be a strong clue. Additionally, silver is non-magnetic; if a half dollar adheres to a magnet, it is not silver. However, most U.S. coinage, including clad coins, is also non-magnetic.

Value of 1971 Half Dollars and Other Clad Coins

For most 1971 half dollars, their primary monetary value is their face value of $0.50. Since these coins contain no silver, their worth is not tied to the fluctuating price of precious metals. Coins found in everyday circulation generally fall into this category.

While the majority of 1971 half dollars are worth their face value, some specimens command a premium among collectors. This applies to coins in uncirculated or exceptionally well-preserved condition. For example, a 1971 Kennedy half dollar in circulated condition might trade for $0.60 to $0.75, while pristine, uncirculated coins can fetch much higher prices, sometimes thousands of dollars for top-grade examples. Extremely rare error coins, such as those struck on leftover 40% silver planchets, can be significantly more valuable. However, these errors are exceedingly rare and not typical finds.

Earlier Silver Half Dollars

While 1971 half dollars lack silver, several earlier half dollar issues contain precious metal. The first Kennedy half dollars, minted in 1964, were composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. This was the initial composition for the series, introduced shortly after President Kennedy’s assassination.

Following the 1964 issues, Kennedy half dollars produced from 1965 through 1970 contained 40% silver. Beyond the Kennedy series, all U.S. half dollars minted in 1964 and earlier, including Franklin half dollars (1948-1963), Walking Liberty half dollars (1916-1947), Barber half dollars (1892-1915), and Seated Liberty half dollars (1839-1891), contain 90% silver. These earlier silver coins are valued for their numismatic appeal and intrinsic metal content.