Are Half Dollars Valuable? - Gainesville Coins

Sell Gold & Silver Precious Metals IRA Secure Storage Blog Coin Library Podcasts Call Us: (813) 482-9300 Welcome! Sign in or register

• 
• Buy Gold Buy Gold Gold Coins American Gold Eagles Canadian Gold Maples South African Gold Krugerrands American Gold Buffalo Coins Australian Gold Coins Gold Bars PAMP Suisse Gold Bars Generic Gold Bars Pre 1933 Gold All Pre 1933 US Gold IRA Eligible Gold Low Premium Gold European Gold Coins Australian Gold Coins Shop Gold By Mint United States Mint Gold Royal Canadian Mint Gold PAMP Suisse Gold Bars 1 oz South African Gold Krugerrand - Random Dates Buy Now
• Buy Silver Buy Silver Silver Coins American Silver Eagles Canadian Silver Maples Silver Bars 1 Oz Silver Bars 5 Oz Silver Bars 10 Oz Silver Bars Silver Rounds Silver Buffalos All Silver Rounds "Junk Silver" 90% Silver Coins Silver Dollars Perth Mint Silver Shop Silver By Region Oceania Silver Coins Chinese Silver Coins Caribbean Silver Coins 2019 Patriot 1 oz Proof Like Silver Round - American Revolution Buy Now
• Deals
• Pre-1933 Gold
• Platinum
• Other Items Other Metals Coin Supplies Coin Capsule Coin Tubes Bar Tubes Empty Monster Boxes Monster Boxes Platinum Palladium Copper Ancient Coins Canadian Coins Silver Certificate And Paper Money Silver Bullets Bullion 1 oz Canadian Platinum Maple Leaf - Random Date Buy Now
• New Arrivals
• Sign In or Register
• Sell Gold & Silver
• News & Blog
• Podcast
• Coin Library
• About Us
• Call Us: +1 (813) 482-9300
• Precious Metals IRA
• Secure Storage

Gold: $5,025.79 17.33 Silver: $79.30 0.45 Platinum: $2,104.00 10.60 Palladium: $1,752.94 4.80 View Charts blog Blog Investors Hub Collectors Hub Podcast Web Stories History Coin Library Tax Blog Investors Hub Collectors Hub Podcast Web Stories History Coin Library Tax Authors

• Home
• blog
• Are Half Dollars Valuable? - Silver...

Updated: June 10, 2025 Are Half Dollars Valuable? - Silver Half Dollars

Gainesville Coins

Published: August 29, 2019

Are Half Dollars Valuable? - Silver Half Dollars

The Half Dollar Value Question

The straightforward answer is that most half dollars are worth only their face value of 50 cents. However, this simple response conceals a more nuanced reality that creates opportunities for collectors and investors interested in silver investments and numismatic treasures.

Older half dollars—specifically those minted prior to 1965—were struck from 90% silver composition, giving them intrinsic value that exceeds their face value. Understanding which half dollars contain silver and how to calculate their worth based on current silver spot prices can help identify valuable coins that might otherwise be overlooked in collections or circulation.

Table of Contents

• Basic answer to half dollar values
• Which half dollars contain silver
• How to calculate half dollar worth
• Historical usage and decline
• Fascinating half dollar facts
• Collecting and investment considerations

50 Cents Most half dollars are worth face value only Exception: Pre-1965 and certain special issues contain valuable silver content

Understanding Half Dollar Values

The vast majority of half dollars encountered today are worth exactly their face value of 50 cents. Modern half dollars, produced from 1971 to present (with limited exceptions), contain no silver and are composed of copper-nickel clad alloy, making them worth only their monetary denomination.

However, older half dollars present a different value proposition entirely. Those minted prior to 1965 contain 90% silver, while Kennedy half dollars from 1965-1970 contain 40% silver. These silver-bearing coins have intrinsic melt value that typically exceeds their face value, particularly when silver prices remain at historically elevated levels.

Silver Half Dollar Identification

Understanding which half dollars contain silver requires knowledge of specific design series and date ranges. Each type represents different silver content levels and therefore different value calculations for collectors and investors.

Walking Liberty 1916–1947 90% Silver Content Franklin 1948–1963 90% Silver Content Kennedy (Early) 1964 90% Silver Content Kennedy (Transitional) 1965–1970 40% Silver Content Kennedy (Modern) 1971–Present 0% Silver Content Bicentennial Special 1976 (40% Silver Sets) 40% Silver Content

Key Dating Rule

Any half dollar dated 1964 or earlier will always contain 90% silver, regardless of design type. This provides a simple identification method for the most valuable half dollars. Kennedy half dollars from 1965-1970 contain 40% silver, while those from 1971 onward contain no silver except for special collector sets.

Calculating Half Dollar Worth

Determining the value of silver half dollars involves understanding their actual silver weight (ASW - Actual Silver Weight) and applying current precious metals prices. This calculation provides the baseline melt value, which represents the minimum worth of any silver half dollar.

Value Calculation Process

1 Check the Date Determine silver content: 1964 or earlier = 90% silver; 1965-1970 = 40% silver; 1971+ = no silver (except special sets) 2 Identify Silver Weight 90% silver halves contain 0.36169 troy oz; 40% silver halves contain 0.1479 troy oz of pure silver 3 Apply Current Silver Price Multiply silver weight by current silver spot price to determine melt value 0.36169 Troy Oz 90% Silver Half Dollars

Pre-1965 Walking Liberty, Franklin, and 1964 Kennedy half dollars contain this amount of pure silver, equivalent to approximately 11.25 grams.

0.1479 Troy Oz 40% Silver Half Dollars

Kennedy half dollars from 1965-1970 contain this reduced silver content, equivalent to approximately 4.6 grams of pure silver.

Historical Usage and Decline

Modern half dollars are rarely seen in circulation despite continued production. The denomination's decline stems from practical economic factors and changing consumer preferences that relegated these large coins to collector interest rather than everyday commerce.

Half dollars were once commonly used in casinos but became less popular as slot machines transitioned away from coin operation. Meanwhile, quarters became the preferred denomination for vending machines, arcade games, and laundromat equipment, reducing commercial demand for the larger half dollar denomination.

Modern Half Dollar Reality

Today's clad half dollars generate minimal collector interest and are rarely found in circulation. Banks can order uncirculated rolls at face value, but these modern coins have no premium above their 50-cent denomination. The artistic and historical significance of older silver half dollars contrasts sharply with the practical irrelevance of contemporary issues.

Period	Composition	Silver Content	Typical Value	Collectible Interest
1916-1947	90% Silver	0.36169 oz	Melt + premium	High (Walking Liberty)
1948-1963	90% Silver	0.36169 oz	Melt + premium	Moderate (Franklin)
1964	90% Silver	0.36169 oz	Melt + premium	Moderate (Kennedy first year)
1965-1970	40% Silver	0.1479 oz	Melt value	Low to moderate
1971-Present	Clad	0 oz	Face value only	Minimal

Fascinating Half Dollar Facts

🏛️ The half dollar denomination was among the first coins ever struck by the United States Mint in the 1790s, establishing it as one of America's most historic coin denominations with over two centuries of continuous production. 📏 All half dollars minted since 1839 measure precisely 30.6 mm in diameter, making them consistently the largest circulating U.S. coin denomination and contributing to their distinctive presence and collector appeal. 👨‍💼 The John F. Kennedy design created by Gilroy Roberts to commemorate the late president's assassination proved so popular that it has remained the half dollar design for over 50 years, similar to the enduring Washington quarter design. 🎨 Adolph Weinman's Walking Liberty half dollar design is considered so artistically superior that the U.S. Mint repurposed it for the modern American Silver Eagle coins beginning in 1986, preserving this beloved design for contemporary collectors. 💰 Coin and bullion dealers typically sell bags of 90% silver half dollars by face value, making them an accessible way for investors to acquire fractional silver content with recognized monetary backing.

Collecting and Investment Considerations

Half dollars offer unique opportunities for both collectors seeking historical significance and investors interested in fractional silver content. Understanding the different approaches to half dollar acquisition helps align purchases with specific goals and budget constraints.

Silver Content Investment

Focus on acquiring 90% silver half dollars for their precious metals content, typically purchased in bags or rolls at small premiums over melt value.

• Emphasis on silver weight over condition
• Cost-effective precious metals accumulation
• Recognizable government-issued silver
• Fractional sizes for small investors

Bullion Approach

Numismatic Collecting

Build sets focusing on condition, dates, and design types, with particular attention to Walking Liberty and early Kennedy issues in high grades.

• Quality and condition emphasis
• Historical and artistic appreciation
• Potential appreciation beyond silver content
• Educational and cultural value

Collector Approach

Investment Strategy

Half dollars provide an excellent middle ground between smaller silver coins and larger bullion products. Their size makes them practical for both handling and storage, while their silver content offers meaningful precious metals exposure. Consider mixing circulated examples for silver content with higher-grade pieces for numismatic appreciation potential.

Conclusion

While most half dollars are indeed worth only their 50-cent face value, understanding the exceptions creates opportunities for both collectors and silver investors. Pre-1965 half dollars containing 90% silver and the transitional 1965-1970 Kennedy halves with 40% silver content offer tangible value that fluctuates with precious metals markets.

The denomination's rich history, from early Walking Liberty artistry through the enduring Kennedy memorial design, provides cultural and numismatic significance beyond mere silver content. For those building silver portfolios or exploring American coinage heritage, half dollars represent an accessible and historically meaningful entry point.

Whether approaching half dollars as silver investments tracking current spot prices or as collectibles representing American monetary evolution, understanding their silver content, historical context, and market dynamics enables informed decisions in this distinctive corner of the numismatic world.

Investment Disclaimer

This content is for educational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Silver investments involve risk, including potential loss of principal. Coin values can fluctuate based on precious metals prices and numismatic market conditions. Consult with qualified financial advisors before making investment decisions.

Posted In: blog Link copied to clipboard. Login to post comment Login Leonard | 2/29/2024 i have a 1940 half dollar thats got an odd stamped mark thats on both sides on the edge how do i send you a picture so you can tell me if it rare or super rare and what you might think i could ask for it Dino Sclafani 0 Reply In order to maintain our extremely low pricing, we do not maintain in-house inventory. Upon your purchase, we source commodities from our various suppliers. Therefore, please allow approximately 10 weeks for your items to ship, unless additional delays beyond our control arise. For check orders please allow approximately 10 weeks after the check has cleared. Due to the price of metals, orders may need to be split up into multiple packages for insurance purposes. I Understand