How to Tell if a Half Dollar Is Silver

Knowing if a half dollar contains silver is relevant for historical and monetary value. While these coins once circulated widely, changes in their metallic composition mean only specific issues contain precious metal. Understanding their characteristics allows identification for collecting or appreciating their place in monetary history.

Identifying Characteristics

The visual appearance of a half dollar can provide initial clues about its silver content. Genuine silver coins often display a distinct luster and a brighter, whiter color compared to the duller appearance of modern copper-nickel clad coins. Examining the coin’s edge is a practical step, as silver half dollars minted before 1965 will show a solid silver-colored edge. In contrast, clad coins produced after 1964 reveal a visible copper stripe sandwiched between two layers of nickel alloy.

Another indicator is the coin’s weight and feel, as silver is denser than metals in clad coinage. A 90% silver half dollar (e.g., 1964) weighs around 12.5 grams. 40% silver half dollars (1965-1970) weigh approximately 11.5 grams, while non-silver clad versions (1971 onward) weigh about 11.34 grams. Some individuals can perceive this subtle weight difference by hand.

The “ping” test distinguishes silver from clad half dollars. Tapped on a hard surface, a silver coin produces a clear, sustained, higher-pitched ringing sound. A non-silver clad coin creates a duller, lower-pitched thud. This acoustic property results from silver’s metallic composition and resonance.

Key Dates for Silver Half Dollars

The mint year is a primary factor for silver content. All half dollars produced for circulation from 1964 and earlier contain 90% silver and 10% copper. This includes designs like the Franklin (1948-1963), Walking Liberty (1916-1947), Barber (1892-1915), and the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar. These coins adhere to a historical U.S. coinage standard.

Kennedy half dollars minted between 1965 and 1970 contained a reduced 40% silver and 60% copper. Identifying these involves checking the date and observing their edge, which shows a faint copper line due to layered construction, less pronounced than fully clad coins.

Half dollars minted from 1971 onward for general circulation contain no silver. These coins are made from a copper-nickel clad composition (typically 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel). While some special collector’s editions or proof sets issued after 1970 may contain silver, regular circulating half dollars from these years do not.

Simple Confirmation Methods

Beyond visual and auditory checks, two simple at-home tests can help confirm silver content. The magnet test is a quick way to rule out non-silver coins, as silver is not magnetic. If a common magnet, like a refrigerator magnet, sticks strongly to the half dollar, it indicates the coin is not silver or contains significant amounts of magnetic metals.

The ice test utilizes silver’s excellent thermal conductivity. Place an ice cube directly onto the half dollar’s surface. On a silver coin, the ice melts noticeably faster than on a non-silver coin or other metals. This rapid melting occurs because silver efficiently transfers heat to the ice, causing it to liquefy quickly.