US Classic Commemorative Half Dollars (1892–1954) Melt Value
A Classic Commemorative Halves contains 0.3617 troy oz of pure silver (12.5 g × .900). At $57.35/oz silver, its melt value is about $20.74. Collector value is separate and depends on date, mint mark and grade.
Values above refresh with the October 19, 2026 spot price.
US Classic Commemorative Half Dollars (1892–1954) specifications
| Years | Fineness | Gross weight | Pure silver | Diameter | Face value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1892–1954 | .900 (90%) | 12.5 g | 11.25 g (0.3617 oz t) | 30.6 mm | ½ Dollar |
From 1892 through 1954, Congress authorized dozens of commemorative half dollars, all struck to the regular half dollar standard of 12.5 g of 90% silver. Most were sold above face value to fund the event or monument they honor.
How the melt value is calculated
Melt value = gross weight × fineness ÷ 31.1035 × spot price. For the Classic Commemorative Halves: 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 | Pure silver | Melt value |
|---|---|---|
| 1 coin | 0.3617 oz t | $20.74 |
| 5 coins | 1.8085 oz t | $103.72 |
| 10 coins | 3.6170 oz t | $207.43 |
| 20 coins | 7.2339 oz t | $414.86 |
| 50 coins | 18.0848 oz t | $1,037 |
| 100 coins | 36.1696 oz t | $2,074 |
Melt value by face value
Dealers often price 90% silver by face value. Every $1 of face value in Classic Commemorative Halves 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 |
Issues in the Nu Stack coin database
These issues share the specs above, so their melt value is the same. The list is not complete; any coin struck to the same standard has the same metal content.
| Year | Issue | Fineness | Weight | Pure silver |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1915 | Panama-Pacific Exposition | .900 | 12.5 g | 0.3617 oz t |
| 1922 | Ulysses S. Grant | .900 | 12.5 g | 0.3617 oz t |
| 1925 | California Diamond Jubilee | .900 | 12.5 g | 0.3617 oz t |
| 1927 | Vermont Sesquicentennial | .900 | 12.5 g | 0.3617 oz t |
| 1935-1936 | California-Pacific Exposition | .900 | 12.5 g | 0.3617 oz t |
| 1936 | Lynchburg, Virginia Sesquicentennial | .900 | 12.5 g | 0.3617 oz t |
Melt value vs collector value
Commemorative coins are sold by the Mint above melt value, and on the secondary market each issue has its own collector price. That price depends on the issue, its mintage, whether it's a proof or uncirculated coin and its condition. Melt value tells you what the silver alone is worth, which is the useful number when an issue trades close to its metal content.
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 Classic Commemorative Halves?
A Classic Commemorative Halves has 11.25 g (0.3617 troy oz) of pure silver: 12.5 g gross weight at .900 fine.
What is a Classic Commemorative Halves worth in melt value today?
About $20.74 at $57.35/oz silver (October 19, 2026). Melt value moves with the silver spot price; this page updates automatically.
Is a Classic Commemorative Halves worth more than its melt value?
Often, yes. Each commemorative issue has its own collector price based on mintage, proof or uncirculated finish and condition. Melt value is the metal-only number.