what year 50 cent pieces are silver

[DeGideon]

Based on an analysis of United States coinage, the silver content of 50-cent pieces, or half dollars, is determined by the year of mintage. All half dollars produced for circulation before 1965 are composed of 90% silver. This includes numerous designs such as the Franklin Half Dollar (1948-1963), the Walking Liberty Half Dollar (1916-1947), the Barber Half Dollar (1892-1915), and earlier series.

The composition changed with the introduction of the Kennedy Half Dollar. The Kennedy Half Dollar minted in 1964 is the last 50-cent piece intended for circulation to contain 90% silver. Following that year, the silver content was significantly reduced. From 1965 to 1970, Kennedy Half Dollars were produced with a 40% silver clad composition.

Beginning in 1971, the United States Mint ceased using silver in circulating half dollars altogether. All 50-cent pieces minted for general circulation from 1971 to the present day do not contain any silver and are instead made of a copper-nickel clad composition.