Coin values · live melt
Half dollar value: silver melt value and key dates
Half dollars dated 1964 and earlier are 90% silver, and 1965–1970 Kennedy halves are 40% silver, so both are worth far more than 50 cents in melt. Walking Liberty and Franklin halves add collector demand. A 90% silver half dollar (1964 and earlier) holds 0.3617 oz of silver, worth $18.00 in melt at the Nov 3, 2026 close; a 1965–1970 Kennedy half (40% silver) held $7.36.
What's it worth? Live melt calculator
Melt = pure metal content × recent spot (silver $49.78/oz). This is the bullion floor; collectible coins can be worth far more. Federal rules restrict melting only 1¢ and 5¢ coins (31 CFR Part 82; 1942–1945 silver war nickels are exempt). This estimates intrinsic value.
Melt value by series
Specs, key dates, a melt calculator and the melt history since 1968 for each series. Melt at the Nov 3, 2026 close.
- Franklin half dollar 1948–1963 · 0.3617 oz silver $18.00 melt Value and specs →
- Walking Liberty half dollar 1916–1947 · 0.3617 oz silver $18.00 melt Value and specs →
- 1964 Kennedy half dollar 1964 · 0.3617 oz silver $18.00 melt Value and specs →
- 1965–1970 Kennedy half dollar 1965–1970 · 0.1479 oz silver $7.36 melt Value and specs →
What a half dollar’s silver has been worth since 1968
A half dollar held about $0.71 of silver in 1968, peaked near $37.32 in 2026, and its metal is worth $18.00 today. That is melt only; a scarce date or high grade can carry a collector premium on top.
Is your half dollar silver?
Silver years: 1964 and earlier (90% silver) and 1965–1970 (40% silver).
Every half dollar dated 1964 or earlier (Barber, Walking Liberty, Franklin and the 1964 Kennedy) is 90% silver; 1965–1970 Kennedy halves are 40% silver clad; 1971 and later circulation halves 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.
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