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90% Silver in a 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar: Value & Facts

Kennedy half dollars dated 1964 and earlier are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. This translates to 0.36169 troy ounces of pure silver per coin. These coins weigh 11.5 grams.

The silver content of these coins represents a significant historical shift in U.S. coinage. Prior to 1965, circulating half dollars had maintained a high silver composition for decades. The Coinage Act of 1965, driven by rising silver prices and increasing demand for the metal in industrial applications, led to the reduction and eventual elimination of silver from circulating denominations. This change made the 1964 half dollar, and those minted earlier, a key date for collectors and investors interested in silver. The intrinsic silver value often exceeds the face value of these coins, making them a popular target for those seeking a tangible asset.

1964 Kennedy Half Dollar: Silver Content & Value

A 1964 Kennedy half dollar contains 0.36169 troy ounces of pure silver. This equates to 90% silver composition, with the remaining 10% consisting of copper. This composition differs from Kennedy half dollars minted from 1965 to 1970, which contain 40% silver, and those minted after 1970, which contain no silver. Therefore, the 1964 half dollar represents the last year of the 90% silver coinage for this denomination.

The high silver content of the 1964 Kennedy half dollar contributes significantly to its value. The intrinsic value of the silver itself often exceeds the coin’s face value. This makes these coins attractive to collectors and investors interested in precious metals. The historical context of the coin, being released shortly after President Kennedy’s assassination, further adds to its numismatic interest. This combination of inherent metal value and historical significance positions the 1964 half dollar as a desirable piece within numismatic circles.