Half dollars hold a special place in American coinage for their historic role in everyday commerce and their significance and unique compositions. While silver half dollars are not standard in our wallets today, these coins have a rich and storied past that has captured the imagination of collectors, historians, and numismatists alike. A common question about these unique coins is “What half dollars are silver?”
One alluring aspect of the half dollar is silver content. Assorted designs and types of half dollars have been minted over the centuries, each with unique characteristics. The United States introduced the first half dollar in 1794, consisting of 90% silver and 10% copper. This composition persisted throughout designs until the Coinage Act of 1965, which lowered the amount of silver in the half dollar to 40%. Another coinage law at the end of 1970 removed the silver content entirely from the half dollar, and it became a copper-nickel clad coin. Therefore, any half dollar produced before 1971 contains silver.
Which Half Dollars Are Silver?
| Years Minted | Half Dollar | Silver Composition | Silver Weight (troy oz) |
| 1794-1795 | Flowing Hair | 89.24% | .3868 |
| 1796-1807 | Draped Bust | 89.24% | .3866 |
| 1807-1839 | Capped Bust | 89.24% | .3866 |
| 1839-1891 | Seated Liberty | 90% | .3866 |
| 1892-1915 | Barber | 90% | .3617 |
| 1916-1947 | Walking Liberty | 90% | .3617 |
| 1948-1963 | Franklin | 90% | .3617 |
| 1964 | Kennedy | 90% | .3617 |
| 1965-1970 | Kennedy | 40% | .1479 |
Flowing Hair Half Dollar 1794-1795
Silver Composition: 89.24%
Silver Weight: .3868 troy ounces
The first half-dollar the United States government released was the Flowing Hair half-dollar. This silver coin minted from 1794-1795 consisted of 90% silver and 10% copper. One of the first coins struck by the newly established United States Mint, engraver Robert Scot created the flowing hair design. The reverse of this half-dollar coin features an eagle encircled by a wreath. The obverse depicts Lady Liberty’s profile with her hair flowing in the wind.
Since this half-dollar coin was only minted for two years, the number of surviving coins in good condition is low. Therefore, a half-dollar 1794-1795 Flowing Hair is precious, with some coins selling for over $30,000. Collectors covet Flowing Hair Half Dollars for their silver content and place in numismatic history. Owning one of these early American coins is akin to holding a tangible piece of the country’s beginnings.
Draped Bust Half Dollar 1796-1807
Silver Composition: 89.24%
Silver Weight: .3868 troy ounces
As the Flowing Hair Half Dollar era ended, the Draped Bust Half Dollar emerged as the successor. The United States minted it from 1796 to 1807 using 89.24% silver and 10.76% copper. The new design is again credited to Robert Scot, and it displays a more refined Lady Liberty, with her hair elegantly draped over her shoulder instead of flowing in the wind. The reverse of this coin has a heraldic eagle with a shield on its chest, symbolizing the nation’s strength and sovereignty.
Collectors love the Draped Bust Half Dollar due to its historical significance, unique design, and limited availability of well-preserved specimens. Additionally, there is a variation among the reverse of the Draped Bust half-dollar coins. From 1796-1797, the coin was minted with a small eagle; from 1798-1807, it was produced with a large eagle. Due to the limited number made in two years, the small eagle coins are some of the rarest and most valuable silver coins collectors seek.
Capped Bust Half Dollar 1807-1839
Silver Composition: 89.24%
Silver Weight: .3866 troy ounces
The final half dollar of the “bust” series, the Capped Bust Half Dollar, was minted from 1807-1839. They are 89.24% silver and 10.76% copper. The Capped Bust Half Dollar series is characterized by the image of Lady Liberty adorned with a Phrygian cap, a symbol of freedom and liberty, on the obverse side. This design, created by John Reich and modified by Chief Engraver Willian Kneass, provided a more refined and detailed portrayal of Liberty, reflecting the artistic sensibilities of the early 19th century. The reverse retains the image of an eagle with a shield.
The Capped Bust Half Dollar is more common and less valuable. Minted for over thirty years, many still survive in varying conditions. In coin collecting, the Capped Bust Half Dollar series bridges the gap between early American coinage and the more modern designs of the mid-19th century. These coins are a testament to the blend of art and history that makes numismatics a captivating pursuit.
Seated Liberty Half Dollar 1839-1891
Silver Composition: 90%
Silver Weight: .3866 troy ounces
The Seated Liberty Half Dollar series is a testament to American coinage’s enduring artistry and evolving motifs. The U.S. minted the Seated Liberty Half Dollar from 1839 to 1891, featuring the iconic image of Lady Liberty seated in a contemplative pose, symbolizing the nation’s stability and enduring values. This half-dollar became the first one minted with 90% silver and 10% copper, a slight increase from the Flowing Hair and Bust half dollars.
Christian Gobrecht designed the Seated Liberty half dollar. The obverse depicts Lady Liberty seated on a rock, holding a pole with a Phrygian cap on top in one hand and a shield in the other. The reverse showcases a majestic eagle holding a branch and three arrows.
The Seated Liberty half dollar is popular among collectors, but high mintage lowered the value. The most valuable ones have mint strikes around the Civil War, although other rare dates hold high numismatic value.
Barber Half Dollar 1892-1915
Silver Composition: 90%
Silver Weight: .3617 troy ounces
The Barber Half Dollar series represents a fascinating chapter in the history of American coinage, as it transitioned from the Seated Liberty design to the distinctive portrait of Liberty by Charles E. Barber. Minted from 1892 to 1915, these coins are recognized for their stately appearance and intricate details.
Barber Half Dollars, like their predecessors, were composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. These coins maintained the established silver standards of the time. The series experienced minor variations in design and inscription placement, providing collectors with an array of interesting specimens to pursue.
The Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint, Charles E. Barber, brought his unique vision to the Barber Half Dollar series. On the obverse side, Lady Liberty is portrayed in a dignified profile, wearing a Phrygian cap and laurel wreath. She wears a diadem inscribed with “LIBERTY.” The reverse features an eagle with outstretched wings and a shield on its chest. The eagle has a banner with “E PLURIBUS UNUM” on its beak, a cluster of arrows in one claw and an olive branch in the other.
Walking Liberty Half Dollar 1916-1947
Silver Composition: 90%
Silver Weight: .3617 troy ounces
The Walking Liberty Half Dollar series is a numismatic masterpiece, celebrated for its iconic design and the enduring image of Lady Liberty in stride. These coins, minted from 1916-1947, represent a time of global conflict, social change, and artistic excellence. The series encompassed a significant period in American history, including World War I, the Roaring Twenties, and World War II.
Walking Liberty Half Dollars continued the tradition of 90% silver and 10% copper composition, ensuring that these coins were not just pieces of currency but repositories of precious metal value. The silver content of these coins adds to their appeal to investors.
The work of renowned sculptor Adolph A. Weinman, the Walking Liberty design is regarded as one of the most beautiful in American coinage history. The design is so popular the U.S. reused it on the iconic American Eagle bullion coins. On the obverse, Lady Liberty is portrayed confidently walking towards the sun, draped in the American flag, her right hand outstretched in a welcome gesture and her left-hand holding branches of laurel and oak. The reverse features an eagle on a mountain crag, representing the nation’s majesty.
Franklin Half Dollar 1948-1963
Silver Composition: 90%
Silver Weight: .3617 troy ounces
The Franklin Half Dollar commemorates the enduring legacy of Benjamin Franklin, one of America’s most celebrated Founding Fathers. The U.S. minted the Franklin Half Dollar from 1948-1963 out of 90% silver and 10% copper. The Franklin Half Dollar series was minted during the post-World War II era, a time of optimism, economic growth, and scientific advancement. These coins reflect the spirit of this period.
The obverse image on the Franklin Half Dollar was created by John R. Sinnock, who served as the Chief Engraver of the United States Mint from 1925 until his passing in 1947. It features a lifelike profile of Franklin, capturing his dignified visage. He died before having a chance to complete the reverse design for the new half-dollar. Gilroy Roberts then took over as Chief Engraver and completed the reverse image. The reverse showcases the Liberty Bell with a small eagle on the right.
Collectors are drawn to the Franklin Half Dollar for its connection to a prominent Founding Father and its elegant design and craftsmanship. The series is a fitting tribute to Benjamin Franklin’s contributions to American society and a tangible link to the ideals of liberty and independence.
Kennedy Half Dollar 1964
Silver Composition: 90%
Silver Weight: .3617 troy ounces
After John F. Kennedy’s tragic assassination on November 22, 1963, Congress quickly created the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar to commemorate one of the nation’s most beloved presidents. The Kennedy Half Dollar, minted in 1964, is the only one made with 90% silver and 10% copper before federal law changed silver composition in our coinage system.
The obverse side of the coin features a striking and lifelike portrait of JFK, designed by Gilroy Roberts. It is one of the few instances in American coinage where a historical figure was depicted on a circulating coin shortly after their passing. The reverse displays an eagle with a shield on its chest, holding arrows and an olive branch.
Collectors and enthusiasts treasure the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar for its historical significance, artistic representation of a beloved leader, and status as a one-year type coin. Due to the intense demand and widespread circulation, finding a well-preserved specimen has become a pursuit among numismatists.
Kennedy Half Dollar 1965-1970
Silver Composition: 40%
Silver Weight: .1479 troy ounces
In 1965, the United States faced a shortage of silver due to increased demand, and the price of silver began rising in the world market. The Coinage Act of 1965 removed silver from the dime and quarter while reducing the silver content to 40% in the half dollar, a significant departure from the 90% silver content of previous years. The U.S. Mint produces the Kennedy Half Dollar with 40% silver and 60% copper for five years before a new law eliminates silver from the coin’s composition.
Despite the change in composition, the design of the Kennedy Half Dollar remained consistent with the iconic portrait of President John F. Kennedy on the obverse, created by Gilroy Roberts. The reverse featured the modified presidential seal with the eagle design.
The Kennedy Half Dollars from this transitional period are often called “40% silver” Kennedy Half Dollars. Collectors appreciate these coins for their role in the changing landscape of American coinage; however, they were also intended for general circulation, meaning citizens used them in everyday transactions.
1970 Coinage Law
On December 31, 1970, the Coinage Law of 1970 was passed, eradicating the use of silver in half-dollar coins. The law was a pivotal piece of legislation in the United States that significantly impacted the country’s coinage system. This law granted the Secretary of the Treasury the authority to change the composition of coins, allowing for the transition from silver-based currencies to less expensive copper-nickel clad coins.
As a result, it marked the end of regular-issue silver half dollars and other silver coins in circulation. The Coinage Law of 1970 was driven by economic considerations, as the rising price of silver made it impractical to maintain silver coinage. This legislation fundamentally transformed the composition of U.S. coins, shaping the currency we use today.
Other Silver Half-Dollar Coins
Since the Coinage Law of 1970, U.S. mints such as the Denver Mint and San Fransisco Mint have occasionally released commemorative silver half dollars. These coin sets are 90% silver and 10% copper and serve as collectibles and tributes to American heritage. Examples include the 1982 George Washington 250th Anniversary Half Dollar and the 1992 Silver Kennedy Half Dollar.
The 1982 George Washington Half Dollar honors the 250th anniversary of the first president’s birth. The obverse features Washington on horseback, while the reverse has the eastern façade of George Washington’s home, Mount Vernon.
The 1992 Silver Kennedy Half Dollar proof set is another example of a special edition coin released for collectors with 90% silver and 10% copper.
The Enduring Legacy of Silver Half-Dollars
Throughout the history of silver half dollars, we have witnessed the evolution of coinage materials and designs. From the early days of high silver content to the transition to clad coinage, these coins reflect the changing economic, technological, and cultural landscape of the United States.
Each silver half-dollar carries with it a piece of American history. From the nation’s early days through periods of growth, conflict, and change, these coins bear witness to the unfolding story of the United States. The designs are a testament to the skill and creativity of the artists and engravers who crafted them. From the flowing hair of Lady Liberty to the dignified portrait of Benjamin Franklin, these coins are miniature works of art celebrated for their aesthetic beauty and attention to detail.
Silver half dollars continue to be prized by collectors and investors. Their intrinsic value, combined with their historical and artistic appeal, makes them sought after in numismatics. The rarity of certain specimens further adds to their desirability. They provide a tangible link to the past, allowing enthusiasts to hold a piece of history.
Collecting Half-Dollar Coins from the U.S. Mint
After the elimination of silver, the Kennedy half dollar remained a popular coin that stands as a memorial to honor the legacy of a beloved president. Regardless of the composition, collecting U.S. Mint half dollar coins allows enthusiasts to explore the rich tapestry of American history, where each coin serves as a small but significant artifact, capturing the spirit of its era. Whether for their historical narratives or artistic merit, half dollars remain cherished pieces in any collection, connecting us to the enduring story of the United States.
