United States · 1892–1964
US silver half dollar (90% silver)
American half dollars struck before 1965 are 90% silver. This covers the Barber (1892–1915), Walking Liberty (1916–1947), Franklin (1948–1963) and 1964 Kennedy designs.
Melt value
— each
0.3617 troy oz silver × — spot
Total —
Metal content
| Country | United States |
|---|---|
| Years | 1892–1964 |
| Face value | 50 cents |
| Metal | silver |
| Purity | .900 (90% silver) |
| Total weight | 12.50 g (0.4019 troy oz) |
| Pure silver | 0.3617 troy oz (11.25 g) |
Kennedy halves from 1965 to 1970 are 40% silver; from 1971 on they are clad with no silver (apart from collector issues).
Worth more than melt?
- 1921, 1921-D and 1921-S Walking Liberty halves are key dates.
- 1938-D Walking Liberty has a low mintage.
- Franklin halves with "full bell lines" carry a premium.
Typical selling price
Not listed yet. We only show a selling price when we have reliable, recent sales to base it on, and then always as a range with the date it was checked. Melt value is a floor for the metal itself: dealers usually pay somewhat less than melt for common coins, while collectors may pay more for scarce dates and coins in great condition.
Sources
Melt value is an estimate based on the current spot price and the coin's official metal content. Worn coins can weigh slightly less. This is not financial advice.