Do 1970 half dollars contain silver?
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Yes, 1970 Kennedy half dollars do contain silver, but only 40% silver, as it was the last year for regular-issue silver-clad halves, with the 1970-D being particularly notable as it was only sold in Mint Sets, not for general circulation, making them more collectible.
Does a 1970 half dollar have silver?
Regular-issue Kennedy half dollars were struck in 40% silver for the last time in 1970. Kennedy's portrait first appeared on the silver half dollar in 1964. From 1965 to 1970, the silver content was reduced to 40%, and then changed to copper-nickel clad in 1971.
What is a 1970 silver half dollar worth?
According to the NGC Price Guide, as of December 2025, a Kennedy Half Dollar from 1970 in circulated condition is worth between $10 and $11. However, on the open market 1970 D Half Dollars in pristine, uncirculated condition sell for as much as $12500.
What year do half dollars contain silver?
Several methods can help identify silver Kennedy Half Dollars. First, check the date: all 1964 Kennedy halves are 90% silver, while those dated 1965-1970 contain 40% silver. Those from 1971 onward are generally copper-nickel clad unless specifically produced as silver collector issues.
What makes a 1970 Kennedy Half Dollar rare?
The 1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar is valuable because it was the last year the half dollar was minted in 40% silver and it was only included in Mint Sets, not released for general circulation. This limited availability makes it more desirable among collectors.
Which Silver Kennedy Half Dollars Are Silver And Which Are Not
Are half dollars from the 1970s worth anything?
Kennedy half-dollar coins are not rare; most are worth only their face value of 50 cents. However, some are more valuable, depending on the year they were minted and their condition. For example, a Kennedy half-dollar coin minted in 1970 and in uncirculated condition is worth about $8.
Which Kennedy half dollars are 90% silver?
Kennedy half dollars minted in 1964 contain 90% silver, making them the most valuable standard issue. Coins minted between 1965 and 1970 contain 40% silver, and after 1970, silver was only used in special collector editions (such as the 1976 Bicentennial, 1992+ Silver Proofs, and the 2021-P Silver Kennedy).
How can you tell if a half dollar is silver or not?
Look at the Date – If it's 1964, it's 90% silver. If it's 1965–1970, it's 40% silver. Check the Edge – Silver coins have a solid silver edge, while clad (non-silver) coins have a copper-colored edge. Use a Magnet – Silver is not magnetic, so if your half dollar sticks to a magnet, it is not silver.
What is a 1970 silver dollar worth today?
Based on silver prices alone, these coins are worth over $20. 40% Silver: The Eisenhower dollars from the 1970s were issued in two versions: cupronickel for circulation and silver-clad for collectors, with the latter containing 0.3161 ounces of silver, worth at least $10.
What is the metal content of a 1970 half dollar?
1965–1970: outer layer of 80% silver, 20% copper clad to core of 79% copper, 21% silver; totaling 60% copper, 40% silver. Silver collectors' versions: 1976: 40% fine, 0.37 troy oz. Silver proofs 1992–2018: 90% fine, 0.402 troy oz.
How much silver is in a 1970 50 cent piece?
Key Dates and Collectors' Notes
1965-1970 Kennedy Half Dollars: These contain 40% silver and are the last circulating U.S. coins made with silver. 1976 Bicentennial Silver-Clad Half Dollar: Released to celebrate the U.S. bicentennial, this special edition was minted in a 40% silver alloy.
Which Kennedy halves are 40% silver?
The only coin that continued to be made in silver was the Kennedy Half Dollar which was made in 40% silver for circulation only in 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, and 1969. This set includes all five of these 40% silver coins. After 1969, no circulating coins of any denomination were ever made in silver again.
Are all silver dollars 100% silver?
The historic Morgan Silver Dollars minted from 1878 to 1921 contain 90% pure silver and 10% copper, giving them a durable composition suited for circulation. However, modern Morgan Silver Dollars, reintroduced in 2021, are crafted from 99.9% fine silver, enhancing their purity and appeal to today's collectors.
What year are silver half dollars worth the most?
The highest silver half dollar value is different for each of the eight types:
- Flowing Hair Half Dollar (1794-1795): $2,000,000.
- Draped Bust Half Dollar (1796-1807): $2,150,000.
- Capped Bust Half Dollar (1808-1839): $600,000.
- Seated Liberty Half Dollar (1839-1891): $750,000.
- Barber Half Dollar (1892-1915): $240,000.
Should I clean old coins?
While you may be tempted to polish your coins to make them look shiny and new, proceed with caution. Polishing and/or cleaning coins can reduce their value. Older coins that show deep age coloration are more desirable than coins whose surfaces have been stripped away by improper polishing or cleaning.
How to tell if a 50 cent coin is rare?
## 1. Silver is the First Thing to Look For
1964 and Earlier: All half dollars minted in 1964 or before are 90% silver. This includes Franklin Half Dollars and Walking Liberty Half Dollars. These coins are always worth much more than 50 cents, based on the current price of silver.
What is the quick test for silver?
The Ice Test
If the object is silver, the cold will rapidly transfer from the ice to the silver – causing it to melt much faster than ice placed on a base metal like aluminum or steel.
What year did half dollars become not silver?
In 1971, the Mint removed silver from the half dollar and the composition became copper-nickel clad. Since 2002, half dollars have been minted primarily for annual coin sets and other numismatic products. However, the Federal Reserve may still order them for circulation.
Can you still find silver half dollars at the bank?
If you're a coin collector interested in finding the right half dollars, you may not know where to look and what coins are valuable. You can find silver half dollars at your local bank, in antique shops or flea markets, or via professional coin dealers.
Are 1970 Kennedy half dollars silver?
STRUCK IN SILVER – Kennedy Half Dollars issued from 1965 to 1969 were struck in 11.5 grams of 40% silver. No half dollars were struck for circulation in 1970 and beginning in 1971 they were issued as nickel-clad copper coins. It was the only coin in circulation at that time to contain silver.
Which Kennedy half dollars are worth keeping?
10 Most Valuable Kennedy Half Dollars
- 2014 P Silver Proof: $25 - $30.
- 1999 S Silver Proof: $25 - $30.
- 1996 S Silver Proof: $30 - $35.
- 1993 S Silver Proof: $35 - $40.
- 1994 S Silver Proof: $35 - $40.
- 1995 S Silver Proof: $40 - $45.
- 2018 S Silver Reverse Proof: $40 - $45.
- 2014 W Silver Reverse Proof: $60 - $70.