The silver value of a United States 50-cent coin, or half dollar, is entirely dependent on its year of mintage, as the metallic composition of the coin has changed significantly over time. The intrinsic worth of these coins is determined by their silver content and the fluctuating spot price of silver.
Based on an analysis of U.S. half dollars, those minted in 1964 or earlier consist of a 90% silver and 10% copper composition. This category includes the Barber, Walking Liberty, Franklin, and 1964 Kennedy half dollars. These coins each contain approximately 0.3617 troy ounces of pure silver. Based on a silver spot price of $29.29 per ounce, the melt value for one of these 90% silver half dollars is approximately $10.60.
A different composition was used for Kennedy half dollars minted between 1965 and 1970. These coins have a reduced silver content, comprising a 40% silver clad composition. Each of these coins contains approximately 0.1479 troy ounces of silver. Consequently, their intrinsic silver value is lower, calculating to about $4.34 at the same silver spot price.
Half dollars minted for general circulation from 1971 to the present do not contain any silver. They are made of a copper-nickel clad alloy, and their value is their legal tender face value of 50 cents, barring any numismatic or collector premium. Therefore, the silver value is contingent on identifying the specific era of the coin.
