A Kennedy half dollar may look like an ordinary 50-cent coin, but examples dated 1965 through 1970 contain 40% silver and are worth considerably more than face value.
These coins do not appear in everyday change often, but they can still surface in bank rolls, cash drawers, casino change, old coin jars and inherited collections.
What should you look for?
Check the date beneath President John F. Kennedy’s portrait. The silver content depends on the year:
- 1964: 90% silver
- 1965–1970: 40% silver
- 1971 and later: normally copper-nickel clad, with certain collector-only exceptions
Today’s featured coins are the 1965–1970 Kennedy half dollars.
Do not reject one merely because its edge shows some copper. Unlike the solid-alloy 1964 coin, the 40% silver version was manufactured with silver-bearing outer layers bonded to a lower-silver core. Its edge may therefore look different from that of a 90% silver coin.
The weight can provide another clue. A standard 1965–1970 Kennedy half dollar weighs approximately 11.5 grams, compared with about 11.34 grams for a normal 1971-or-later clad half. Because circulation wear and scale accuracy affect measurements, weight alone should not be treated as authentication.
A little history
The Kennedy half dollar was introduced in 1964 as a memorial to President John F. Kennedy, following his assassination in November 1963. Jacqueline Kennedy preferred placing his portrait on the half dollar rather than replacing George Washington on the quarter.
Gilroy Roberts designed Kennedy’s portrait, while Frank Gasparro created the reverse based on the presidential seal.
The first-year 1964 coins contained 90% silver. Rising silver prices and a nationwide coin shortage led Congress to reduce the silver content. From 1965 through 1970, circulating Kennedy halves were struck in a composition averaging 40% silver. Beginning in 1971, standard circulating half dollars contained no silver.
How much are they worth?
A 1965–1970 Kennedy half dollar contains approximately 0.1479 troy ounce of silver.
Using metal prices on September 16, 2026, Coinflation calculated its total melt value at approximately $9.66. Because silver prices move throughout the day, this amount will change. Dealer buying and selling prices can also differ from the calculated melt value.
NGC’s September 2026 guide placed an ordinary circulated 1965 Kennedy half dollar at approximately $9.75 to $10.75. Other dates commonly trade near their silver value, while attractive uncirculated coins, recognized varieties and professionally authenticated examples may bring more. Condition and authentication determine the actual value.
What should you do if you find one?
Do not clean, polish, scrub, dip or otherwise alter the coin. Cleaning can leave permanent surface damage and eliminate a possible collector premium.
Hold it by the edges, photograph both sides and place it in a non-PVC coin flip or capsule. Record the date and mintmark, if present. Coins dated 1965–1967 normally have no mintmark; later examples may show a D above the date.
Have you found an old Kennedy half dollar—or do you have coins, currency or a larger inherited collection? The Patriot Vault may be interested in buying your coin, currency or broader collection. Reply to this post and tell us what you have!
