When Did They Stop Making Silver Half Dollars?

The half dollar, a fifty-cent coin, holds a notable place in United States coinage history. Its evolution reflects shifts in economic policy and the availability of precious metals. Public interest in their metallic composition, especially silver content, has long been present. This article details the specific periods when silver was removed from half dollars, marking significant changes in their production and composition.

The End of 90% Silver Half Dollars

United States half dollars, along with dimes and quarters, were traditionally composed of 90% silver. This practice ensured a substantial intrinsic value for the coinage. The year 1964 was the final year that half dollars were minted with this high silver content.

The introduction of the Kennedy Half Dollar in 1964, following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, coincided with this change. A surge in demand for the new commemorative coin, coupled with rising silver prices, created an unsustainable situation. The market value of the silver in the coins began to exceed their face value, leading to widespread hoarding and a severe coin shortage.

The Brief 40% Silver Period

A transitional phase for half dollars began in 1965, following the Coinage Act of 1965. From 1965 through 1970, half dollars were minted with a reduced silver content of 40%. This composition was achieved through a clad layering process, resulting in an overall 40% silver content by weight.

This temporary measure responded to continued pressure from increasing silver prices and a desire to maintain some precious metal in coinage. While dimes and quarters became fully clad with no silver content starting in 1965, the half dollar retained a partial silver composition for several more years. This intermediate step aimed to stabilize the coinage system amidst ongoing economic challenges.

The Switch to Clad Half Dollars

The complete removal of silver from half dollars occurred in 1971. From this point forward, half dollars were produced as cupronickel clad coins, containing no silver. This new composition mirrored that of dimes and quarters, which had transitioned to clad materials earlier.

The decision to eliminate silver entirely was driven by the persistent volatility of silver prices and the Mint’s objective to establish a stable and economically viable coinage material for mass production. This final change ensured that the intrinsic metal value of the half dollar would not surpass its face value, preventing hoarding and ensuring a consistent supply. This cupronickel clad composition has remained in use for circulating half dollars since 1971.