What Year Is the Half Dollar Silver?

The U.S. half dollar coin holds a distinct place in American monetary history due to its evolving metal composition. Initially, these coins were struck with significant silver content, making them valuable beyond their face value. Over time, the silver content of half dollars underwent notable changes. Identifying certain years is important for understanding their intrinsic worth and appreciating their historical significance and potential value.

Key Years for Silver Half Dollars

The presence of silver in U.S. half dollars is primarily determined by their year of mintage. Before 1965, all circulating half dollars contained a substantial amount of silver. This includes designs like the Walking Liberty (1916-1947) and Franklin (1948-1963). The 1964 Kennedy half dollar was the last year for this highest silver content in circulating half dollars.

A change occurred with the 1965 Kennedy half dollar, as its silver content was reduced. This lower silver composition continued for half dollars minted through 1970. From 1971 onward, standard circulating half dollars transitioned to a copper-nickel clad composition without silver. However, some special collector’s editions or proof sets issued after 1970, such as certain Bicentennial issues or modern silver proof sets, may still contain silver.

Silver Purity and Weight by Half Dollar Type

The precise silver content within half dollars varies depending on the mintage period, directly impacting their intrinsic value. Half dollars minted in 1964 and earlier, including the Walking Liberty and Franklin designs, are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. These 90% silver coins have a total weight of 12.5 grams and contain approximately 0.3617 troy ounces of Actual Silver Weight (ASW).

For Kennedy half dollars produced between 1965 and 1970, the composition shifted to 40% silver. These coins feature an outer layer of 80% silver and 20% copper bonded to an inner core primarily of copper, resulting in the overall 40% silver content. These 40% silver half dollars weigh 11.5 grams and contain about 0.1479 troy ounces of ASW. Actual Silver Weight (ASW) refers to the net amount of pure silver contained within a coin, forming the basis for determining its melt value in relation to the current market price of silver.

Assessing the Value of Silver Half Dollars

The monetary value of most circulated silver half dollars is primarily linked to their intrinsic “melt value,” which fluctuates with the spot price of silver. This value is calculated by multiplying the coin’s Actual Silver Weight (ASW) by the current market price of silver per troy ounce. For instance, a 90% silver half dollar with an ASW of 0.3617 troy ounces would have a melt value based on the current silver price. Similarly, a 40% silver half dollar with an ASW of 0.1479 troy ounces would be valued based on the same silver price.

While melt value is a primary consideration for common circulated coins, the numismatic value, or collector’s value, can exceed this for certain pieces. Factors such as the coin’s condition, rarity, and specific mint marks influence its appeal to collectors. Coin grading terms like “Uncirculated” (MS for Mint State), “About Uncirculated” (AU), and “Fine” (F) describe the coin’s preservation and wear, with higher grades typically commanding higher prices. Resources such as online precious metal retailers and numismatic websites provide current silver spot prices and general coin value guides.

Practical Methods for Identifying Silver Half Dollars

Beyond checking the mint year, several physical tests can help determine if a half dollar contains silver. One straightforward method is the “edge test.” Pre-1965 90% silver half dollars exhibit a uniform silver color along their reeded edge, indicating a solid silver composition. In contrast, 1965-1970 40% silver half dollars show a faint copper stripe visible between the two silver outer layers on the edge. Half dollars minted from 1971 onward, which are copper-nickel clad, display a prominent copper stripe along the edge.

Another common technique is the “sound test,” often referred to as the “ping test.” Silver coins produce a distinctive, high-pitched, and sustained ringing sound when gently tapped. Non-silver clad coins typically emit a duller, lower-pitched thud.

Silver coins are also slightly heavier than their clad counterparts due to silver’s higher density. A 90% silver half dollar weighs 12.5 grams, a 40% silver half dollar weighs 11.5 grams, and a clad half dollar weighs 11.34 grams. Finally, a simple “magnet test” can quickly rule out non-silver coins, as silver is not magnetic. If a half dollar sticks to a magnet, it does not contain silver. Combining these physical identification methods with a check of the coin’s mint year provides a comprehensive approach to determining its silver content.