
The melt value of a United States silver half dollar depends on the year it was minted, as the silver composition changed over time. There are two primary categories for circulating silver half dollars.
Half dollars minted in 1964 and earlier are composed of 90% silver. This includes the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar, as well as the Franklin (1948-1963), Walking Liberty (1916-1947), and Barber (1892-1915) series. Based on the silver spot price of approximately $29.28 per troy ounce on June 7, 2024, the melt value for one of these 90% silver coins is approximately $10.59.
Kennedy Half Dollars minted between 1965 and 1970 have a different composition, containing 40% silver. Due to this lower silver content, their melt value is significantly less. As of the same date and silver price, the melt value for a 40% silver half dollar is approximately $4.33.
It is crucial to remember that these melt values are not static; they fluctuate daily with the market price of silver. Circulating half dollars minted from 1971 onwards do not contain any silver and therefore only have their face value, not a precious metal melt value.


