Ah, an excellent question! Asking what a silver half dollar looks like is a bit like asking what a classic rock star looks like. The answer is, it depends on the era! There isn't just one face for these shiny treasures; it's more of a historical fashion show in coin form.
First, you have the supermodel of American coinage, the Walking Liberty half dollar, which strutted its stuff from 1916 to 1947. This beauty features Lady Liberty herself, confidently striding toward a rising sun on one side. Flip it over, and you'll find a majestic bald eagle perched and ready for its close-up. This is the 90% silver coin that many collectors and investors dream about.
Next up, from 1948 to 1963, we have the intellectual of the group: the Franklin half dollar. This coin swapped the full-body glamour shot of Liberty for a distinguished profile of the one and only Benjamin Franklin. The reverse showcases the iconic Liberty Bell, complete with its famous crack. This coin is also a solid 90% silver.
Finally, we have the one most people recognize, the Kennedy half dollar. Now, this is where you have to pay attention. The 1964 Kennedy half dollar, featuring the profile of John F. Kennedy and the Presidential Seal on the back, is the last of the 90% silver titans. But don't be fooled by its younger siblings! From 1965 to 1970, Kennedy's portrait remained, but the coin's silver content dropped to a more modest 40%. They look the same at a glance, so the date is the secret handshake that tells you if you're holding the real star or its less-glamorous tribute act.
