
Ah, diving into a bit of pocket change archaeology, are we? It's a common misconception that all those handsome Kennedy half dollars are packed with precious metal. The truth is, the U.S. Mint got a bit fickle with its silver content over the years.
For the real silver jackpot, you need to travel back in time to one specific year: 1964. The Kennedy half dollars minted in 1964 are the big prize, containing a hefty 90% silver. This was the first and only year for this particular composition in coins meant for circulation.
After that, from 1965 to 1970, the mint decided to go on a diet, reducing the silver content to 40%. These coins are often called "silver-clad" and are still a nice find, but they're more like the diet version of their 1964 predecessor.
From 1971 onward, the party was officially over for silver in circulating Kennedy half dollars. Coins from 1971 to the present are made of a copper-nickel blend and contain no silver at all. There is a small exception for collectors: some special Bicentennial half dollars dated 1776-1976 were issued in collector sets with that 40% silver content. The mint also started making special 90% silver proof sets for collectors again beginning in 1992, but you won't find those hiding in your couch cushions.


