Kennedy half dollar silver content depends entirely on the year. 1964: 90% silver (0.3617 ozt ASW, melt $21.97). 1965–1970: 40% silver (0.1479 ozt ASW, melt $8.98). 1971 and later: no silver. Getting the year right matters — a 1965 half contains less than half the silver of a 1964, and a 1971 half contains none.
Year-by-Year Silver Content
| Year(s) | Composition | ASW per coin | Melt at $60.73/ozt |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1964 | 90% silver, 10% copper | 0.3617 ozt | $21.97 |
| 1965 | 40% silver clad | 0.1479 ozt | $8.98 |
| 1966 | 40% silver clad | 0.1479 ozt | $8.98 |
| 1967 | 40% silver clad | 0.1479 ozt | $8.98 |
| 1968-D | 40% silver clad | 0.1479 ozt | $8.98 |
| 1968-S (proof) | 40% silver clad | 0.1479 ozt | $8.98 |
| 1969-D | 40% silver clad | 0.1479 ozt | $8.98 |
| 1969-S (proof) | 40% silver clad | 0.1479 ozt | $8.98 |
| 1970-D | 40% silver clad | 0.1479 ozt | $8.98 |
| 1970-S (proof) | 40% silver clad | 0.1479 ozt | $8.98 |
| 1971–present | Copper-nickel clad | 0 | $0 |
| 1976-S Bicentennial (silver) | 40% silver clad | 0.1479 ozt | $8.98 |
| 1992–present (Silver Proof Sets) | 90% silver | 0.3617 ozt | $21.97 |
Reference: spot prices of October 7, 2026 ($60.73/ozt). Note: 1965–1967 halves have no mint mark (all Philadelphia). 1968 and later resumed mint marks.
How to Calculate Kennedy Half Silver Content
1964 (90%):
- Gross weight: 12.50 g
- Silver: 12.50 × 0.90 = 11.25 g
- Troy ounces: 11.25 ÷ 31.1034768 = 0.3617 ozt ASW
- Melt: 0.3617 × $60.73 = $21.97
1965–1970 (40%):
- Gross weight: 11.50 g
- Silver: 11.50 × 0.40 = 4.60 g
- Troy ounces: 4.60 ÷ 31.1034768 = 0.1479 ozt ASW
- Melt: 0.1479 × $60.73 = $8.98
Use the coin melt value calculator to apply today’s live spot price.
Why Two Silver Compositions?
The Kennedy half dollar was rushed into production in early 1964 as a tribute to President John F. Kennedy, assassinated in November 1963. The 1964 coins used the existing 90% silver standard for US half dollars.
In 1965, the Coinage Act of 1965 eliminated silver from dimes and quarters entirely but created a compromise for half dollars: a 40% silver “clad” construction — outer layers of 80% silver bonded to an inner core of 20% silver (overall 40% silver by weight). This kept some silver in the half dollar while reducing costs. By 1971, even the 40% composition was abandoned for a copper-nickel clad construction with no silver.
How to Tell the Three Types Apart
By date alone — the most reliable method:
- 1964 → 90% silver
- 1965–1970 → 40% silver
- 1971 and later → clad (no silver)
By edge:
- 90% half (1964): bright silver-white edge, uniform color
- 40% half (1965–1970): edge appears silver-colored (outer layers are 80% silver alloy), but duller than a 90% coin; no copper stripe
- Clad half (1971+): distinct copper-colored stripe visible through the rim
The 40% edge test can be tricky because the outer layers are a silver alloy. Date identification is always more reliable.
By weight:
- 90% Kennedy: 12.50 g
- 40% Kennedy: 11.50 g
- Clad Kennedy: 11.34 g
A precision gram scale will distinguish the types if dates are worn.
Melt Value by Quantity
1964 Kennedy halves (90%):
| Quantity | ASW | Melt at $60.73/ozt |
|---|---|---|
| 1 coin | 0.3617 ozt | $21.97 |
| 20 coins (1 roll) | 7.234 ozt | $439.23 |
| 200 coins ($100 face) | 72.34 ozt | $4,392.34 |
1965–1970 Kennedy halves (40%):
| Quantity | ASW | Melt at $60.73/ozt |
|---|---|---|
| 1 coin | 0.1479 ozt | $8.98 |
| 20 coins (1 roll) | 2.958 ozt | $179.60 |
| 200 coins ($100 face) | 29.58 ozt | $1,796.01 |
Reference: spot prices of October 7, 2026. The junk silver calculator uses live prices.
The 1970-D Kennedy Half: A Special Case
The 1970-D Kennedy half is a 40% silver coin not released into general circulation — it was available only in 1970 Mint Sets. Specimens in original mint packaging carry a premium above melt, and even circulated examples occasionally appear with a small premium because collectors seek them.
1976 Bicentennial Kennedy Halves
The 1976 Bicentennial Kennedy half bears the dual date “1776–1976” and a special reverse showing Independence Hall. Three versions exist:
- Circulation strike (1975–1976): Copper-nickel clad, no silver. Found in ordinary change.
- 1976-S silver clad proof: 40% silver, 0.1479 ozt ASW. Included in the 1976 Bicentennial Silver Proof Set.
- 1976-S silver clad Uncirculated: 40% silver, same ASW. In the 1976 Bicentennial Silver Uncirculated Set.
The silver Bicentennial halves are collector coins, not found in circulation. A Bicentennial Kennedy half from pocket change is always clad.
Silver Proof Kennedy Halves (1992–Present)
The US Mint has included a 90% silver Kennedy half in its annual Silver Proof Set since 1992. These coins are:
- Composition: 90% silver, same 0.3617 ozt ASW as the 1964 circulation coin
- Finish: Mirror-field proof
- Source: Mint-sold collector sets only — never found in change
They are not junk silver — they sell at significant premiums for their proof quality. But their silver content equals a 1964 circulation half.
Kennedy Halves in the Junk Silver Market
The 40% Kennedy halves (1965–1970) are common in junk silver lots. Because they contain less silver per coin than 90% coins, dealers price them separately. A roll of 20 Kennedy 1965–1970 halves melts to $179.60 vs. $439.23 for a roll of 20 Walker/Franklin/1964 halves — a significant difference for any bulk transaction.
For the comparison between 90% and 40% silver in detail, read 90% vs. 40% silver. For the full half dollar silver history, see which half dollars are silver.