How Much Does a Silver Half Dollar Weigh?

The weight of a silver half dollar is a common inquiry for individuals seeking to understand the intrinsic value of these coins. Unlike modern coinage, which is primarily composed of base metals, older half dollars contain varying amounts of silver, making their weight a direct indicator of their precious metal content. This distinction is important for collectors, investors, and anyone interested in the historical and monetary significance of these pieces. Understanding the specific weights associated with different silver compositions helps in assessing their true worth beyond face value.

Weight of 90% Silver Half Dollars

Half dollars minted with 90% silver content include the Franklin Half Dollars (1948-1963), Walking Liberty Half Dollars (1916-1947), Barber Half Dollars (1892-1915), Seated Liberty Half Dollars (1839-1891), and Capped Bust Half Dollars (1807-1839). These coins are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, and each has a standard weight of 12.5 grams.

In ounces, 12.5 grams is approximately 0.4409 ounces. The actual silver weight (ASW) for these coins is 90% of their total weight, calculating to 11.25 grams of pure silver. This equates to about 0.3617 troy ounces of pure silver per coin. Their substantial silver content makes these coins valuable for their intrinsic metal, often referred to as “junk silver” when their numismatic value is minimal.

Weight of 40% Silver Half Dollars

A transitional period introduced half dollars with a lower silver content. The Kennedy Half Dollars minted between 1965 and 1970 are the primary examples of coins containing 40% silver. These coins have a standard weight of 11.5 grams.

In ounces, 11.5 grams is approximately 0.4056 ounces. The composition of these coins is 40% silver and 60% copper. This results in an actual silver weight (ASW) of 4.6 grams of pure silver per coin, equivalent to approximately 0.1479 troy ounces of pure silver.

Identifying Silver Half Dollars

Determining whether a half dollar contains silver involves a few practical methods. The most straightforward approach is to check the coin’s date of mintage. Half dollars issued before 1965 contain 90% silver, while those minted between 1965 and 1970 contain 40% silver. Half dollars produced after 1970 generally do not contain silver.

Another common identification technique is the “edge test.” If a half dollar has no visible copper stripe along its reeded edge, it is likely a 90% silver coin. Conversely, a faint copper stripe indicates a 40% silver composition. A quick check for authenticity can involve a magnet test; silver is a non-magnetic metal, so a genuine silver coin will not stick to a magnet.

Why Weight Matters

The weight of a silver half dollar is important because it directly correlates with its intrinsic value, often referred to as its “melt value.” This value is derived from the coin’s actual silver content and the current market price of silver. The melt value fluctuates with the spot price of silver, which is determined by global commodity markets. Understanding the ASW allows individuals to calculate this melt value by multiplying the ASW by the current market price of silver per troy ounce.

This intrinsic melt value typically far exceeds the coin’s face value, especially during periods of high silver prices. For investors and collectors, the weight provides a quantifiable measure of the asset’s worth, independent of any numismatic premium.