What Year 50-Cent Pieces Are Silver?

Many individuals possess 50-cent pieces and wonder about their potential silver content. While these coins are no longer commonly used in daily transactions, certain years and types hold significant value due to the presence of precious metals. Identifying these silver half dollars involves understanding the specific periods and designs associated with their silver composition. This knowledge is helpful for collectors and anyone interested in the intrinsic value of these historical coins.

90% Silver Half Dollars

Prior to 1965, all circulating United States half dollars were composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. These coins weigh 12.50 grams and contain approximately 0.36169 troy ounces of pure silver, making them sought after by collectors and those interested in bullion. The Coinage Act of 1965 later altered the metallic composition of U.S. coinage due to rising silver prices.

Several distinct series of half dollars fall into this 90% silver category. The Barber Half Dollars, minted from 1892 to 1915, feature a Liberty Head design on the obverse and a heraldic eagle on the reverse. Following these, the Walking Liberty Half Dollars were produced from 1916 to 1947, showcasing Lady Liberty striding towards the rising sun on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse.

The Franklin Half Dollars, minted from 1948 to 1963, depict Benjamin Franklin on the obverse and the Liberty Bell on the reverse. The final series to be struck with 90% silver for circulation was the Kennedy Half Dollar, but only those minted in 1964 possess this high silver content. The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar was quickly hoarded by the public, contributing to its scarcity in circulation.

40% Silver Half Dollars

Following the 1964 issue, the silver content in half dollars was significantly reduced. This change was a direct response to the escalating market price of silver, which made the metal content of earlier coins worth more than their face value. The Coinage Act of 1965 mandated this reduction.

Only specific Kennedy Half Dollars, minted between 1965 and 1970, contain 40% silver. These coins are often referred to as “silver-clad” because their composition consists of an outer layer of 80% silver and 20% copper bonded to a core of 21% silver and 79% copper. This unique composition resulted in a coin that weighed 11.50 grams and contained approximately 0.1479 troy ounces of silver.

Non-Silver Half Dollars

From 1971 onwards, all United States half dollars produced for general circulation contain no silver. This complete removal of silver was a further measure taken by the U.S. Mint to address the rising cost of the metal. The composition shifted to a copper-nickel clad material.

These non-silver half dollars, including Kennedy Half Dollars from 1971 to the present, consist of a pure copper core clad with an outer layer of 75% copper and 25% nickel. The Bicentennial Half Dollars, minted in 1976 with a special reverse design, also fall into this non-silver category for their circulating versions. These coins typically weigh 11.34 grams.

Verifying Silver Content

Determining if a 50-cent piece contains silver is straightforward, primarily by checking its date.

Another effective method involves examining the coin’s edge. A 90% silver half dollar will display a solid, uniform silver-colored edge. Conversely, a 40% silver half dollar may show a faint copper line along its edge but remains predominantly silver-colored. Non-silver half dollars, made of copper-nickel clad, will clearly reveal a distinct copper stripe or core visible on the edge.

For those with access to a precise scale, weight can also be an indicator, as silver and non-silver coins have different standard weights. It is important to avoid destructive tests like bending or acid, as these can damage the coin and diminish its value.