what year 50 cent pieces are 40 silver

[BrynleeAnn]

Ah, the great American silver hunt! If you're sifting through your change hoping to strike it rich, or at least 40% rich, you'll want to keep your eyes peeled for specific Kennedy Half Dollars. The magic years for these silver-clad beauties are 1965 through 1970.

After the U.S. Mint decided to pull the plug on 90% silver for most coins in 1965, the half dollar was the last coin standing, defiantly holding on to a 40% silver composition for a few more years. It was the last gasp of circulating precious metal in American coinage, a brief, shining moment before everything went to copper-nickel clad.

There's also a little bonus for the dedicated treasure hunter. The U.S. Mint also produced special issue Bicentennial coins for collectors, struck in 1975 and 1976, that contained that same 40% silver content. So, your key dates are 1965 to 1970 for the regular issues, with a special look out for those celebratory Bicentennial coins. Happy hunting