fallback snapshot Aug 2, 2026 · live price loads automatically
Common quantities
| Quantity | Melt value |
|---|---|
| 1 half dollar | $20.87 |
| $1 face / 2 halves | $41.73 |
| $5 face / 10 halves | $208.66 |
| $10 roll / 20 halves | $417.32 |
| $50 face / 100 halves | $2,086.59 |
Which Kennedy half dollars contain silver
The U.S. Mint documents 90% silver for the 1964-dated Kennedy half and 40% silver for 1965–1970. Regular circulation halves became copper-nickel clad in 1971. The Mint also produced separate 40% silver Bicentennial collector issues; most 1776–1976 halves found in circulation are not silver.
Nominal content versus circulated wear
The calculator uses nominal mint content: 0.36169 troy ounce for the listed 90% issues and 0.14790 for the listed 40% issues. Wear can reduce actual silver weight. Bulk circulated 90% coinage is often estimated at 0.715 troy ounce per $1 face, or 0.3575 per half dollar.
Check collector value before using melt
Date, mint mark, grade, varieties, proofs, and original surfaces can make a half dollar worth more than its silver. Never clean a coin. Identify it and compare recent sales or a coin-specialist quote before accepting a melt-only price.
Related calculators
Open the full US silver coin catalog · War Nickel calculator · Silver Dime calculator · Quarter calculator · Morgan Dollar calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How much silver is in a 1964 Kennedy half dollar?
A 1964 Kennedy half dollar contains about 0.36169 troy ounce of pure silver at nominal mint weight because it is a 90% silver alloy.
How much silver is in a 1965–1970 Kennedy half dollar?
A 1965–1970 Kennedy half dollar contains about 0.14790 troy ounce of pure silver in its 40% silver-clad composition.
Are all 1776–1976 Kennedy half dollars silver?
No, most Bicentennial halves are copper-nickel clad. Only specific San Francisco collector issues were struck in 40% silver, so identify the coin before selecting that option.
How many half dollars are in a roll?
A standard $10 half-dollar roll contains 20 coins. Select the correct issue first because a roll of 90% halves contains much more silver than a roll of 40% halves.
Are Franklin and Walking Liberty half dollars 90% silver?
Yes, the Franklin and Walking Liberty issues listed here are 90% silver and contain about 0.36169 troy ounce of pure silver at nominal mint weight.