how much does a silver half dollar weigh today

[McSienna]

While the provided context focuses on the financial value of silver half dollars, knowing the physical weight is a critical first step in determining that value. The answer to how much a silver half dollar weighs today depends entirely on which specific coin you're holding, as the composition changed over time.

For the classic U.S. silver half dollars, minted from 1892 up to 1964, the standard weight is 12.5 grams. These coins, which include the Barber, Walking Liberty, Franklin, and 1964 Kennedy half dollars, are composed of 90% silver. This consistent weight and high silver content are what make them so sought-after by collectors and investors alike.

However, if you have a Kennedy half dollar from the years 1965 to 1970, you're looking at a different standard. To reduce the amount of precious metal in circulation, the U.S. Mint changed the composition to a 40% silver-clad coin. These half dollars have a total weight of 11.5 grams. So, while they still contain valuable silver, they weigh a full gram less than their 90% silver predecessors. Any half dollar minted for circulation after 1970 contains no silver and has a different weight altogether. Therefore, identifying the year is absolutely essential to knowing its correct weight and intrinsic worth.