In 1965 the US Mint changed the composition of circulating coin to the clad allow we are familiar with today, with the exception of the Kennedy Silver Half Dollar. The Kennedy Silver Half Dollar coin was reduced to 40% silver. It remained this way through 1970. While not worth as much as the 1964 Kennedy Silver Half Dollar coin, the 1965 to 1970 40% Silver coins are widely sought after as junk silver due to their precious metals content.
Over 780 million 40% Silver Kennedy Half Dollars were minted from 1965 to 1970. Many of these coins were hoarded because of their intrinsic silver value. Many have survived in mint state condition.
These Kennedy Half Dollar coins minted with a 40% silver alloy are often viewed as less desirable by many investors. As a result, they can often be found at a lower premium over spot price when buying them from an online dealer. Often times they can be bought for right around spot price or melt value, or less.
Each $1 Face Value of Kennedy 40% Silver Half Dollar coins contains roughly .296 troy ounces of silver. The current melt value for $1 Face Value is roughly 0 based on the current silver spot price of 0.
The obverse of these coins shows the bust of John F Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States. The word “LIBERTY” is engraved around the top edge, the date of mintage along the bottom edge. The words “IN GOD WE TRUST” is inscribed just above the mint date.
The reverse of the coin portrays a bald eagle holding an olive branch (peace) and arrows (strength). The eagle faces to the left towards the olive branch. Thirteen stripes are shown to represent the original 13 colonies. Surrounding the eagle are fifty stars which represent the fifty states.
Coin Specifications:
- Type: 40% Silver Kennedy Half Dollar
- Years Minted: 1965-1970
- Mint Mark: 1965-1967 no Mint Mark 1968-1970 Denver Mint
- Face Value: 0.50 USD
- Total Produced: 783,081,519
- Silver Content: 40%
- Silver Weight: .1479 troy ounces (4.6 grams)
- Gross Weight: .3697 troy ounces (11.5 grams)
- Silver Melt: $0