Kennedy Half Dollar (Silver) Melt Value
Pure silver content of the Kennedy Half Dollar (Silver): 1964 (90% silver) 0.3617 oz; 1965–1970 (40% silver) 0.1479 oz. At $57.35/oz silver, the 1964 (90% silver) is worth about $20.74 in melt value. Collector value is separate and depends on date, mint mark and grade.
Values above refresh with the October 19, 2026 spot price.
Kennedy Half Dollar (Silver) specifications
| Version | Years | Fineness | Gross weight | Pure silver | Diameter | Face value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1964 (90% silver) | 1964 | .900 (90%) | 12.5 g | 11.25 g (0.3617 oz t) | 30.6 mm | Half Dollar |
| 1965–1970 (40% silver) | 1965–1970 | .400 (40%) | 11.5 g | 4.6 g (0.1479 oz t) | 30.6 mm | Half Dollar |
Introduced in 1964, months after President Kennedy's death. The 1964 halves are 90% silver. From 1965 to 1970 they were made of a silver-copper clad that is 40% silver overall. Circulating Kennedy halves from 1971 on contain no silver.
How to identify a Kennedy Half Dollar (Silver)
- Look at the edge: 1964 halves are solid silver-colored; 1965–1970 40% halves show a faint gray-white layer, and 1971+ clad halves show a copper stripe.
- The 1964 mint mark (D, or none for Philadelphia) is on the reverse near the eagle's claw; from 1968 it moved to the obverse above the date.
- Coins dated 1965–1967 carry no mint mark.
How the melt value is calculated
Melt value = gross weight × fineness ÷ 31.1035 × spot price. For the 1964 (90% silver): 12.5 g × .900 = 11.25 g of pure silver. Divide by 31.1035 grams per troy ounce to get 0.3617 oz, then multiply by $57.35 spot: about $20.74.
Melt value by quantity
| Quantity | 1964 (90% silver) | 1965–1970 (40% silver) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 coin | $20.74 | $8.48 |
| 5 coins | $103.72 | $42.41 |
| 10 coins | $207.43 | $84.82 |
| 20 coins (1 roll) | $414.86 | $169.63 |
| 50 coins | $1,037 | $424.08 |
| 100 coins | $2,074 | $848.17 |
Melt value by face value
Dealers often price 90% silver by face value. Every $1 of face value in Kennedy Half Dollar (Silver) coins holds 0.7234 oz of pure silver when the coins are full weight. Many dealers use 0.715 oz per $1 face for circulated dimes, quarters and halves, to allow for wear.
| Face value | Pure silver | Melt value |
|---|---|---|
| $1 face value | 0.7234 oz t | $41.49 |
| $10 face value | 7.2339 oz t | $414.86 |
| $100 face value | 72.3391 oz t | $4,149 |
| $1,000 face value | 723.3913 oz t | $41,486 |
Melt value vs collector value
Melt value is only what the silver in a Kennedy Half Dollar (Silver) is worth at today's spot price. A coin's market value can be much higher: scarce dates, mint marks and high grades sell to collectors for a premium, while common dates in worn condition trade closer to melt. Nu Stack does not estimate collector prices on this page. For a specific coin, check the date and mint mark, the condition (a grading service such as PCGS or NGC, or a local dealer) and recent sales.
Related coins
More: Silver melt value explained · How to sell silver coins · Where to sell silver · Free melt calculator · All coin melt values
Specs: Nu Stack coin database (curated entries and the Numista catalog). Melt values use the silver spot price from the Nu Stack price feed and are estimates of metal content only, not offers to buy or sell.
Frequently asked questions
How much silver is in a Kennedy Half Dollar (Silver)?
1964 (90% silver): 11.25 g (0.3617 troy oz) of pure silver; 1965–1970 (40% silver): 4.6 g (0.1479 troy oz) of pure silver.
What is a Kennedy Half Dollar (Silver) worth in melt value today?
At $57.35/oz silver (October 19, 2026): 1964 (90% silver) about $20.74; 1965–1970 (40% silver) about $8.48. The value moves with the spot price, and this page updates automatically.
Is a Kennedy Half Dollar (Silver) worth more than its melt value?
It can be. Scarce dates, mint marks and coins in high grades sell above melt value to collectors, while common dates in worn condition trade closer to melt. Check the date, mint mark and condition, or ask a grading service or dealer, for a collector value.