INDEXHalf dollars struck 1873–1964 are 90% silver and contain 0.3617 troy oz of silver — about $21.24 at today's silver price. Half dollars dated 1965–1970 are 40% silver and contain 0.1479 troy oz of silver. Half dollars dated 1971 and later contain no silver.
Half dollars struck under other silver standards: 1794–1836 (0.3867 troy oz), 1836–1853 (0.3867 troy oz), and 1853–1873 (0.3600 troy oz).
Spot price as of July 21, 2026
Half dollars by era
| Years | Composition | Weight | Fineness | ASW | Melt value | Series |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1794–1836 Flowing Hair through Capped Bust | 89.24% Silver, 10.76% Copper | 13.48 g | 89.24% | 0.3867 oz | $22.71 | Flowing Hair Half Dollar, Draped Bust Half Dollar, Capped Bust Half Dollar |
1836–1853 Reeded edge & early Liberty Seated | 90% Silver, 10% Copper | 13.37 g | 90% | 0.3867 oz | $22.71 | Capped Bust Half Dollar, Liberty Seated Half Dollar |
1853–1873 Liberty Seated, reduced weight | 90% Silver, 10% Copper | 12.44 g | 90% | 0.3600 oz | $21.14 | Liberty Seated Half Dollar |
1873–1964 90% silver standard | 90% Silver, 10% Copper | 12.50 g | 90% | 0.3617 oz | $21.24 | Liberty Seated Half Dollar, Barber Half Dollar, Walking Liberty Half Dollar, Franklin Half Dollar, Kennedy Half Dollar |
1965–1970 40% silver clad | 40% Silver, 60% Copper (clad) | 11.50 g | 40% | 0.1479 oz | $8.69 | Kennedy Half Dollar |
1971–present Copper-nickel clad | Copper-Nickel Clad Copper (no silver) | 11.34 g | 0% | Contains no silver | No melt value | Kennedy Half Dollar |
- Covers late Liberty Seated, Barber, Walking Liberty, Franklin and 1964 Kennedy half dollars.
- Circulating half dollars dated 1971 or later contain no silver.
Collector issues (proof and commemorative)
These never circulated, so they are not part of the answer above — a half dollar pulled from change is never one of them.
| Years | Composition | Weight | Fineness | ASW | Melt value | Series |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1992–present Silver proof sets | 90% Silver, 10% Copper | 12.50 g | 90% | 0.3617 oz | $21.24 | Kennedy Half Dollar |