Which Half Dollar Years Contain Silver?

Half dollars have held a notable place in United States coinage, with their metallic composition undergoing significant changes over time. Initially, these coins were produced with a high silver content, reflecting the monetary standards of earlier periods. Over decades, economic factors and the rising price of precious metals led to a gradual reduction, and eventual elimination, of silver from circulating half dollars. Understanding these shifts helps to identify which half dollar years contain silver.

Half Dollars with 90% Silver

Several distinct half dollar series were minted with a substantial 90% silver composition. The Walking Liberty Half Dollar, produced from 1916 to 1947, features Lady Liberty striding towards the sun and contains 90% silver and 10% copper. Following this, the Franklin Half Dollar was minted from 1948 to 1963, depicting Benjamin Franklin on the obverse and the Liberty Bell on the reverse, also consisting of 90% silver. The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar is the final half dollar minted with 90% silver, issued as a memorial to President John F. Kennedy shortly after his assassination. These 90% silver half dollars are valued primarily for their silver melt value, which often exceeds their fifty-cent face value.

Half Dollars with 40% Silver

A significant change in the half dollar’s composition occurred due to rising silver prices and increased demand in the mid-1960s. The Coinage Act of 1965 reduced the silver content in the Kennedy Half Dollar to 40%. These 40% silver Kennedy Half Dollars were minted from 1965 through 1970. Despite the reduction, these coins still contained a notable amount of silver, making them distinct from later issues.

Clad Half Dollars

The remaining silver content in half dollars was eventually removed entirely. From 1971 to the present day, circulating half dollars are made from a copper-nickel clad composition. This means these coins contain no silver. Their value is generally limited to their face value, unlike their silver predecessors. While special collector issues, such as proof sets, may contain silver, regular circulating half dollars from 1971 onward do not.

Identifying Silver Half Dollars

Identifying silver half dollars primarily involves checking the coin’s date. All half dollars dated 1970 and earlier contain silver. A practical method involves examining the coin’s edge. Silver half dollars, whether 90% or 40% silver, will display a solid silver-colored edge without any visible copper stripe. In contrast, clad half dollars minted from 1971 onward will clearly show a copper stripe in the middle of the coin’s edge. While silver coins might feel slightly heavier or produce a distinct “ping” sound when dropped, checking the date and the coin’s edge are the most accessible and reliable identification methods for the average person.