Half Dollars Worth Money
Half dollars dated 1964 are 90% silver, and 1965–1970 Kennedy halves are 40% silver — both worth well over face in melt. Walking Liberty and Franklin halves add strong collector demand.
💰 What's it worth? — live melt calculator
Melt = pure metal content × recent spot (silver $32/oz). This is the bullion floor; collectible coins can be worth far more. Melting circulating US coins is illegal — this estimates intrinsic value.
Is your half dollar silver?
Silver years: 1964 (90% silver) and 1965–1970 (40% silver).
A 1964 Kennedy half is 90% silver; 1965–1970 Kennedy halves are 40% silver clad; 1971 and later (for circulation) contain no silver.
Half Dollar composition by year
| Years | Composition | Silver content |
|---|---|---|
| through 1964 | 90% silver, 10% copper | 0.3617 oz |
| 1965–1970 | 40% silver clad | 0.1479 oz |
| 1971–present | Copper-nickel clad (no silver) | — |
Which half dollars are worth money
- 1964 Kennedy halves: 90% silver. 1965–1970: 40% silver.
- Walking Liberty halves (1916–1947) are a beloved 90% silver series; the 1921 issues are keys.
- Franklin halves (1948–1963), especially full-bell-line examples, carry premiums.
- Barber halves (1892–1915) are older 90% silver with key dates like 1892-O and 1913.
Popular half dollars by year
Have half dollars to sell? We buy gold, silver and coins in person at our NYC Diamond District counter, or by insured mail. Get a free quote →
Looking to buy? Shop US silver coins →
Buy at Bullion Trading LLC
Live prices from our store — buy online or at our NYC Diamond District counter.
More: all coin values · silver price history · gold/silver ratio