How can I tell if my 1971 half dollar is silver?
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Regular 1971 Kennedy half dollars are not made of silver; they are copper-nickel clad. However, there are two exceptions: special collector versions with an "S" mint mark, and extremely rare error coins.
How to tell if a 1971 dollar is silver?
Look for a Silver or Copper Stripe
If your Ike dollar has an “S” mint mark on the obverse, it is silver clad, or 40% silver. You can also check the edge of the coin for a silver stripe. If you find one, you most likely have a 40% silver, or silver clad Eisenhower dollar.
What makes a 1971 silver dollar value?
A 1971 silver dollar becomes more valuable or scarce due to factors such as limited mintage, higher grades, proof or uncirculated condition, and any notable mint errors. While silver Eisenhower dollars are not extremely rare, well-preserved examples and certified high-grade coins are more difficult to find.
What percentage of silver is in a 1971 half dollar?
From 1965 through 1970, the composition changed to 40% silver (outer layer bonded to a copper core), containing 0.1479 troy ounces of silver. From 1971 onward, regular business strikes contain no silver, being composed of copper-nickel clad (75% copper, 25% nickel outer layers bonded to a pure copper core).
Where is the mint mark located on a 1971 silver dollar?
On these historic coins, the mint mark can typically be found on the reverse side, just above the denomination. For example, the mint mark is located below the wreath on the Morgan Silver Dollar, while on the Peace Silver Dollar, it is positioned near the eagle's tail feathers.
The Lost 1971 Half Dollar Silver Error – How to Identify One!
How do I know if a half dollar is silver?
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.
Where do I find the mint mark on a 1971 silver dollar?
The 1971 silver dollar mint mark location appears on the reverse side, just above the eagle's tail feathers. Coins struck at the San Francisco Mint carry an “S,” while those from Denver bear a “D.” Philadelphia-issued dollars lack any mint mark, making them easy to spot by absence.
How much is a half dollar coin from 1971 worth today?
1971 “D” Half Dollar Value
Denver made the most coins—over 302 million. Most are not rare. In used condition, they are worth about $0.60. A mint condition coin may sell for $9 or more.
How to tell if your half dollar is rare?
The easiest way to identify a valuable half dollar is to check its date. This will tell you if the coin is made of silver. 1964 and Earlier: All half dollars minted in 1964 or before are 90% silver.
What is the fastest way to identify silver coins?
The best way to determine if your coins are silver is to view the edge of the coin. If the coin has a solid silver stripe, then you can feel confident that it's silver. If you can see a copper stripe, then the coin is clad. A more subdued silver stripe with faint traces of copper could mean that the coin is 40% silver.
How can you tell if a 1971 silver dollar is rare?
What makes a 1971 silver dollar rare? The rarity of a 1971 silver dollar is influenced by factors such as mintage, condition, variety, and packaging. Some varieties, like the silver uncirculated coins, were produced in smaller quantities, making them rarer.
Should I clean my 1971 silver dollar?
Even though it's counterintuitive, you should never clean a coin, as it can significantly reduce its value. Even coins that have substantial dirt, tarnishing, or toning should be kept in their original condition.
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 if there is no mint mark on a silver dollar?
For Peace silver dollars, the mint mark can be found below the word “ONE” and to the left of the eagle's tail feathers. It's common for silver dollars to not contain mint marks, which means that they were minted in Philadelphia.
Can you test silver with vinegar?
Acidity in vinegar reacts with non-silver metals, causing discoloration. This can help determine if an item is authentic silver or a cheaper metal.
Where's the mint mark on a 1971 half dollar?
For the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar, the mint mark is positioned on the reverse below the eagle, while from 1968 to the present day, the mint mark can be found on the obverse above the date and directly below Kennedy's profile.
Does a 1971 dollar coin have silver in it?
Description. Product History: The 1971-S Proof 40% Silver Ike Eisenhower Dollars were struck to honor the memory of the 34th U.S. President and World War II hero, Dwight D. Eisenhower. These special coins were minted in San Francisco and feature a 40% silver composition.
What if a silver eagle has no mint mark?
A mint mark only appears on Proof, Burnished, and other collector versions of Silver Eagles, like Reverse Proofs. Mint marks do not appear on bullion Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) versions.
How do I know if my 1971 half dollar is worth anything?
A 1971 Kennedy Half Dollar gains value mainly from its condition (uncirculated or proof coins), mint mark rarity (Philadelphia “P” vs. Denver “D”), and collectibility rather than silver content, as it's made of a copper-nickel clad.
What year half dollars are pure silver?
All half dollars produced before 1965 contain 90% silver. The earliest versions, including the Flowing Hair, Draped Bust, and Capped Bust, are now more than 185 years old and are extremely rare, with their collectible value far exceeding the silver content.