Kennedy half dollar (1964) melt value
Only 1964 Kennedy half dollars are 90% silver. Later years have less or none. Here's what the silver inside is worth at today's live price.
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Kennedy half dollars by year
| Years | Composition | Melt value |
|---|---|---|
| 1964 | 90% silver | — |
| 1965–1970 | 40% silver | — |
| 1971–present | Copper-nickel clad (no silver) | Face value only |
Related coins
All coins →Common questions
How do I know if my kennedy half dollar is silver?
Check the date. 1964 is 90% silver; 1965–1970 is 40% silver; 1971 and later circulation coins have no silver.
Why does a dealer pay less than melt value?
Dealers need room to cover refining, shipping and resale costs, so most pay a percentage of melt value for common-date coins.
What is "junk silver"?
Common-date 90% silver coins that are bought and sold for their silver content rather than their collector value.
Is it legal to melt coins?
US rules prohibit melting one-cent and five-cent coins. That rule does not cover dimes, quarters, half dollars, dollars or bullion coins. Most people sell coins whole to a dealer rather than melting them.