
The value of a United States silver half dollar is primarily determined by its silver content, which varies depending on the era in which it was minted. The provided information establishes two main categories for these coins based on their composition and resulting melt value.
For half dollars minted before 1965, the composition is 90% silver. This group includes types such as the Walking Liberty (1916-1947), the Franklin (1948-1963), and the 1964 Kennedy half dollar. Each of these coins contains approximately 0.3617 troy ounces of pure silver. Based on this silver content, their current intrinsic melt value is approximately $10.63 each.
A different applies to Kennedy half dollars minted from 1965 to 1970. These coins have a reduced silver content of 40%. Containing about 0.1479 troy ounces of silver, their melt value is significantly lower, currently around $4.35. It is important to note that these figures represent the base value of the silver within the coin. The actual worth of any specific half dollar can be higher, sometimes substantially so, based on factors such as its condition, rarity, specific date, and mint mark, which are valued by coin collectors.


