The US Mint stopped producing 50 cent pieces with silver in 1971. Starting in 1965, the US Mint began conducting tests with cupro-nickel and manganese brass alloys, with the intention of replacing the traditional 90% silver composition of the 50 cent pieces with a composition that would be more cost effective.
In 1971, the Mint officially approved the new composition and began producing the new coins, which have been in production ever since.
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What years do 50 cent pieces have silver in them?
50 cent coins have contained silver since their introduction in 1875. Initially, the coins contained 90% silver, but the composition was changed to 40% silver in 1965. From 1965 until 1969 the 50 cent coins had a silver content of 40% silver.
From 1970 to 1976, the coins had a copper-nickel composition of 75% copper and 25% nickel. In 1977, the coins changed to an alloy of copper and nickel, with a composition of 88. 5% copper and 11. 5% nickel.
Coins minted from 1977 onward do not contain any silver.
How can you tell if a 50 cent coin is silver?
If you suspect that your 50 cent coin is silver, there are a few ways you can tell. One way to tell is to check the coin’s weight. Silver coins are heavier than other coins, particularly copper coins.
You can also check the year of the coin; while there are some silver coins minted in more recent years, most 50 cent coins that are silver are older coins. To do this, look at the year marked on the coin to see if it’s old.
You can also note that most silver 50 cent coins were minted before 1966, so if your coin is dated after 1966, it is unlikely to be silver. Additionally, you can look at the material that the coin is made from.
Most silver coins are made from a nickel and silver alloy, but you should be able to spot the silver coating. Finally, a professional valuer can inspect the coin and tell you whether it is silver or not.
Are all 1966 Kennedy half dollars silver?
No, not all 1966 Kennedy half dollars are silver. The first Kennedy half dollars minted in 1964 were struck with a composition of 90% silver and 10% copper. Beginning in 1965, the composition of Kennedy half dollars was changed to 40% silver and 60% copper.
So while the 1964 Kennedy half dollars were struck with a silver composition, the 1965 and 1966 Kennedy half dollars were not.
What years of half dollars are valuable?
Half dollars have been around since 1794 when the Flowing Hair design was first introduced. These coins are, of course, a popular item among coin collectors and some of them can be quite valuable. Generally speaking, any half dollar from before 1965 is collectible since the US began using copper for the outer layers and copper-nickel for the inner layer in that year.
Specifically, the Liberty Seated variety of half dollar is particularly desirable for collectors and can be valuable, especially those produced from 1839 to 1891. A few notable examples are the 1861-O, the 1874-S, and a few from the 1870s, such as 1870-CC, 1870-S, and 1878-S.
The Barber half dollar series, minted from 1892 to 1915, is another popular collectible series, with some key dates including the 1893-S, 1895-O, and 1896-S.
The Walking Liberty half dollars, minted from 1916 to 1947, can also be valuable coins. Some of the key dates in this series include the 1916-D, 1921, and 1921-D.
Finally, the Franklin half dollars, minted between 1948 and 1963, also have some actively sought coins, including the 1952, 1954-S, and 1955-S varieties.
Is there silver in a 1970 half dollar?
Yes, a 1970 half dollar contains 90% silver and 10% copper. In 1965 the US eliminated silver from all circulation coins, instead opting to use a combination of copper and nickel that are still used today.
The Kennedy Half Dollar, which was issued beginning in 1964 and still in circulation, does not contain silver. However, coins minted in 1970, the year of the coin’s only major redesign, were released in two varieties.
The coins released before late 1970 were 90% silver and 10% copper, while those released afterwards were the current copper-nickel combination.
How much is a 1970 silver half dollar worth?
The value of a 1970 silver half dollar is dependent on a few factors, including its condition and the rarity of its design. Generally, 1970 silver half dollars are worth around $8-9 in Good-4 condition, with uncirculated specimens worth between $14 and $25.
If the half dollar has the special “No S” mintmark, it could be worth much more, often around $100 or more for uncirculated coins in Very Fine-20 condition, and several hundred dollars for coins in higher grades.
The Eisenhower Dollar struck in silver with the “No S” mintmark is a rare variety, with only 12 known coins. As such, it is highly sought after and is prized by collectors.
How do you tell if a coin is silver or silver plated?
One of the best ways to tell if a coin is silver or silver plated is by examining its edges and spending some time comparing its colour with that of a silver coin. A genuine silver coin will be of a much darker shade than a silver-plated coin.
You can also use a magnifying glass or a loupe to examine the edge or edge lettering of a coin. On a genuine silver coin, these edges or engravings will be crisp and clear, while on a plated coin, they will be slightly dull with a white hue.
Additionally, you can use a magnet test by putting a magnet against the coin. Silver is not magnetic, so if the coin is attracted to a magnet, it is probably silver-plated.
How much is a silver 50 cent piece worth?
The value of a silver 50 cent piece depends on its condition, type, and date of manufacture. A 50 cent piece that is made of 90% silver can be worth anywhere from around $20 in medical grade condition (good) to as much as $100 if it is uncirculated.
This is the value for coins minted before 1965, when silver coins were discontinued. Coins minted after 1965, which contain no silver, are only worth their face value of 50 cents. The value of a coin can also change due to its level of rarity, so it is important to do your research before selling or purchasing a particular coin.
