how much silver in a half dollar

[LeMila]

The amount of silver in a U.S. half dollar is entirely dependent on the year it was minted. The silver content has changed significantly over time, falling into three main categories.

For half dollars minted in 1964 or earlier, the composition is 90% silver. This includes the 1964 Kennedy half dollar, as well as older series like the Franklin, Liberty Walking, and Barber half dollars. These coins each contain approximately 0.3617 troy ounces of pure silver.

From 1965 to 1970, the U.S. Mint reduced the silver content in the Kennedy half dollar. Coins from this period are composed of 40% silver and contain a smaller amount, approximately 0.1479 troy ounces of pure silver.

Half dollars minted for circulation from 1971 to the present day contain no silver. These modern coins are made from a copper-nickel clad composition. Therefore, to determine the silver content of any half dollar, the first step is to check its date.