what is the value of silver half dollars

[DeReid]

Hello! That's a great question, as the value of a silver half dollar really depends on when it was made. The amount of silver in these coins changed over the years, which directly affects their base value.

Based on the information, we can break it down into a couple of key categories. First, you have the half dollars minted in 1964 or earlier, which includes types like the Barber, Walking Liberty, Franklin, and the 1964 Kennedy half dollar. These coins are made of 90% silver. The value of the silver in one of these coins, often called its "melt value," is currently around $10.63.

Then, there's a specific period for Kennedy half dollars from 1965 to 1970. These coins have a lower silver content, at 40%. Because they contain less silver, their melt value is also lower, sitting at about $4.35.

It's also important to know that any half dollar minted after 1970 for general circulation contains no silver at all, so its value is just its face value of 50 cents. Of course, for any of these coins, the actual value could be higher if it's a rare date or in exceptionally good condition, as collectors might pay more for it.