Pre-1965 U.S. half dollars remain one of the most practical ways to hold silver. These coins circulated as money, carry no numismatic premium, and trade purely on melt value. A $1 face value lot means two half dollars, and the industry standard for silver content puts that at roughly 0.715 troy ounces once normal circulation wear is accounted for. Small denominations also make junk silver easy to divide and easy to sell in any quantity.
Key Features:
- Purity and Weight: 90% silver, 10% copper; approximately 0.715 troy oz per $1 face
- Metal Type: Circulated U.S. 90% silver coinage struck before 1965
- Obverse Design: Kennedy, Franklin, or Walking Liberty, depending on the coins you receive
- Reverse Design: Varies by series, from the Presidential seal to the Liberty Bell
The Kennedy half dollar entered production in 1964, the year after the assassination, and only that first year was struck in 90% silver. The obverse carries Gilroy Roberts’ left-facing portrait of the president, with LIBERTY curving across the top rim, IN GOD WE TRUST below the truncation, and the date at the base. Circulated examples typically show a softened jawline and flattened hair detail.
Franklin halves ran from 1948 through 1963 and show John R. Sinnock’s right-facing bust of Benjamin Franklin, with LIBERTY arcing overhead and the date to the right of the portrait. Older lots may also include Walking Liberty halves struck between 1916 and 1947. Which series you receive depends on what is in stock.
Each half dollar measures 30.6 mm across and weighs 12.5 grams when new, with a reeded edge. Expect genuine circulated coins: worn high points, scratches, rim bumps, dull or toned surfaces, and occasionally a coin that has been cleaned. Dates, mint marks, and series cannot be requested, and coins ship loose without packaging or capsules.
Nothing here is being sold as a collectible. You are buying U.S. government-struck silver at close to spot, in a format recognized by every dealer in the country and small enough to trade in pieces. Order today and we will ship insured in discreet packaging.
Gunnut (verified owner) –
I ordered $5 fv & asked for Kennedy halves. I got 10 Kennedy’s. Tks!
ryan.c (verified owner) –
After a slight issue with my order, Hero Bullion made it right. I’ve recommended HB to my fellow stackers in the past, and I’ll continue to do so.
wesley.k (verified owner) –
I found a kennedy half dollar as a child in the 90s and put it under a brick, later stolen. I didn’t know it’s value but it was unlike other change I spent for snacks at the corner store. So I ordered this one and years later it’s like reliving that time. My instinct was correct back then not to spend it. I didn’t know it was real silver, but there’s the reason we no longer see these in circulation, or spent at the store for a little can of beans.