Depending on the issue, a Kennedy Half Dollar (Silver) contains 0.3617 troy oz of pure silver (1964, worth $19.55) or 0.1479 troy oz (1965–1970, worth $7.99) at today's spot price.
The Kennedy half dollar was released in 1964, months after President John F. Kennedy's assassination. The 1964 coins are 90% silver; 1965–1970 coins are 40% silver; circulating halves from 1971 on contain no silver.
Melt values use these spot prices (US dollars):
- Silver $54.05 per troy oz Current quote · Quote time Oct 23, 10:29 PM EDT
Some prices could not be refreshed recently and may be out of date.
Melt value is the metal content at spot price, not a buy or sell price. Collectible coins can be worth much more. For reference only.
Specifications
| Specification | 1964 (90% silver) | 1965–1970 (40% silver) |
|---|---|---|
| Years | 1964 | 1965–1970 |
| Face value | 50¢ | 50¢ |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper | 40% silver overall: 80% silver outer layers bonded to a 21% silver core |
| Gross weight | 12.5 g | 11.5 g |
| Fineness | .900 (90%) | .400 (40%) |
| Pure metal | 0.3617 troy oz (11.25 g) | 0.1479 troy oz (4.6 g) |
| Diameter | 30.6 mm | 30.6 mm |
| Standard roll | 20 coins | 20 coins |
How the melt value is worked out
Melt value is the pure silver in the coin multiplied by the spot price. We use the coin's standard minted weight; worn coins weigh slightly less.
-
1964 (90% silver): 12.5 g × .900 fine ÷ 31.1035 g per troy oz = 0.3617 troy oz
0.3617 troy oz × $54.05 spot = $19.55 -
1965–1970 (40% silver): 11.5 g × .400 fine ÷ 31.1035 g per troy oz = 0.1479 troy oz
0.1479 troy oz × $54.05 spot = $7.99
How to identify it
- The date tells you the silver content: 1964 is 90%, 1965–1970 is 40%, 1971 and later circulating coins are clad.
- 1964 coins have a solid silver-gray edge. 1965–1970 coins show a faint silvery stripe, much less obvious than the copper band on clad halves.
- 1964 coins carry their mint mark (D) on the reverse, left of the eagle's tail. 1965–1967 coins have no mint mark. From 1968 the mint mark is on the obverse, above the date.
- 1965–1970 (40% silver): 1968–1970 coins with a D mint mark are 40% silver; 1968–1970 proofs carry an S.
Melt value vs. collector value
Most circulated 1964 and 1965–1970 halves trade for their silver. Special mint set, proof and high-grade coins carry premiums. Modern silver proof Kennedy halves are not covered here.
Related tools
Sources
- US Mint: First Striking of New Half Dollars — checked 2026-10-22
- US Mint: Domestic and Foreign Coins Manufactured by Mints of the United States, 1792–1965 — checked 2026-10-22
- Coinage Act of 1873 (17 Stat. 424) — checked 2026-10-22
- Coinage Act of 1965 (79 Stat. 254) — checked 2026-10-22