The value of a United States silver half dollar, when assessed strictly by the weight of its silver content, is not a single figure. This value, commonly known as the "melt value" or "bullion value," is contingent upon two primary variables: the year the coin was minted, which dictates its silver composition, and the fluctuating daily market price of silver. The provided search context confirms that "melt value" is the relevant concept for this inquiry, though it does not supply the specific weights and compositions necessary for a full calculation.
For half dollars minted in 1964 and earlier, including the Franklin, Walking Liberty, and Barber series, the composition is 90% silver and 10% copper. These coins have a total weight of 12.5 grams, which means they contain 11.25 grams (or approximately 0.3617 troy ounces) of pure silver. To determine their value based on weight, one would multiply this silver content in troy ounces by the current spot price of silver.
A different composition applies to Kennedy half dollars minted between 1965 and 1970. These coins are often referred to as "silver-clad" and consist of an outer layer of 80% silver and 20% copper bonded to an inner core of 20.9% silver and 79.1% copper. This results in an overall composition of 40% silver. With a total weight of 11.5 grams, these coins contain 4.6 grams (or approximately 0.1479 troy ounces) of pure silver, giving them a significantly lower melt value than their 90% silver predecessors. Half dollars intended for general circulation after 1970 contain no silver and their intrinsic value is limited to their face value. It is important to note that these calculations do not account for any potential numismatic or collector value, which can often exceed the melt value for coins that are rare or in exceptional condition.
