1965-1970 Kennedy Half Dollar Values
Determining the current price of silver coins is a straightforward process once you know the silver content of the coin and the current market price, often referred to as the silver spot price.
| Description | Face Value | ASW | Silver Value | Per $1 Face Value | Per Bankroll | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40% Kennedy Half Dollar | 1965-1970 Kennedy Half Dollar | $0.50 | 0.147893 | $5.53 | $11.07 | $110.68 |
1965-1970 Kennedy Half Dollar
The 1965-1970 Kennedy Half Dollar is notable for being the last U.S. half-dollar series to contain Silver, albeit in reduced amounts compared to previous years. Unlike the 90% silver Kennedy Half Dollars issued in 1964, the coins minted from 1965 to 1970 have a 40% silver composition, making them valuable to both collectors and silver investors.
Specifications and Value
- Silver Content: 40% silver, 60% copper
- Weight: 11.5 grams
- Silver Content: Approximately 0.1479 troy ounces of pure Silver
These coins are valued based on their silver content, as they contain 40% silver. To calculate the value, you would use the formula:
For example, if the current price of Silver is $34 per troy ounce, the silver content alone would be worth approximately.
While none of the coins from this period are extremely rare, 1965-1967 SMS coins in high-grade conditions with cameo or deep cameo features can carry a premium due to their scarcity in top grades.
The 1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar is notable for its low mintage. This coin was only available in U.S. Mint sets and was not issued for general circulation, making it more valuable than other dates in the series.
Mint Marks
- 1965-1967: No mint marks on circulation coins or SMS coins.
- 1968-1970: Denver (D) minted coins for circulation and proof coins in San Francisco (S).
Special Mint Sets and Proof Coins
From 1965 to 1967, the U.S. Mint did not issue traditional silver proof sets. Instead, it released Special Mint Sets (SMS), which included Kennedy Half Dollars with enhanced strike quality compared to regular circulation coins, though not as high as proof coins.
Beginning in 1968, the U.S. Mint resumed issuing proof sets, and the Kennedy Half Dollar was included in these sets. Proofs were minted at the San Francisco Mint (S) and featured the "S" mint mark.
Numismatic Value
While circulated coins are worth melt value, certain factors can some numismatic value
NGC or PGCS coins graded MS66 or higher or SMS with a cameo or deep cameo appearance can command a premium are more valuable.
The 1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar, a low-minted coin, is the most valuable in this series.
The 1965-1970 Kennedy Half Dollars are a great option for both silver investors and collectors. The 1970-D and Proof (S) coins from 1968 to 1970 are more valuable and sought after by collectors, while the earlier SMS coins (1965-1967) can also be valuable if in top condition. Most of the coins from this period derive their value from their silver content, though higher-grade examples or rare variants can command premiums.
US Mint Silver Coin Values
| Description | Face Value | ASW | Silver Value | Per $1 Face Value | Per Bankroll | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nickel | 1942-1945 "War Nickel" | $0.05 | 0.0563 | $2.11 | $42.13 | $84.27 |
| Roosevelt Dime | 1946-1964 Roosevelt Dime | $0.10 | 0.0715 | $2.68 | $26.76 | $133.78 |
| Mercury Dime | 1916-1945 Mercury Dime | $0.10 | 0.0715 | $2.68 | $26.76 | $133.78 |
| Barber Dime | 1892-1916 Barber Dime | $0.10 | 0.0715 | $2.68 | $26.76 | $133.78 |
| Washington Quarter | 1932-1964 Washington Quarter | $0.25 | 0.17875 | $6.69 | $26.76 | $267.55 |
| Standing Liberty Quarter | 1916-1930 Standing Liberty Quarter | $0.25 | 0.17875 | $6.69 | $26.76 | $267.55 |
| Barber Quarter | 1892-1916 Barber Quarter | $0.25 | 0.17875 | $6.69 | $26.76 | $267.55 |
| 40% Kennedy Half Dollar | 1965-1970 Kennedy Half Dollar | $0.50 | 0.147893 | $5.53 | $11.07 | $110.68 |
| 90% Kennedy Half Dollar | 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar | $0.50 | 0.3575 | $13.38 | $26.76 | $267.55 |
| Franklin Half Dollar | 1948-1963 Franklin Half Dollar | $0.50 | 0.3575 | $13.38 | $26.76 | $267.55 |
| Walking Liberty Half Dollar | 1916-1947 Walking Liberty Half Dollar | $0.50 | 0.3575 | $13.38 | $26.76 | $267.55 |
| Barber Half Dollar | 1892-1915 Barber Half Dollar | $0.50 | 0.3575 | $13.38 | $26.76 | $267.55 |
| 40% Eisenhower Dollar | 1971-1976 Eisenhower Silver Dollar | $1.00 | 0.3161 | $11.83 | $11.83 | $118.28 |
| Peace Dollar | 1921-1935 Peace Dollar | $1.00 | 0.77345051 | $28.94 | $28.94 | $289.43 |
| Morgan Dollar | 1878-1904 & 1921 Morgan Dollar | $1.00 | 0.77345051 | $28.94 | $28.94 | $289.43 |
Calculating Silver Coin Values
Coin melt value refers to the intrinsic value of the precious metal contained within a coin. It's the intrinsic value of the metals if a coin were sent to a refinery and melted down to recover the metal. The melt value is primarily determined by the metal's weight and purity and is calculated based on current market trading prices for the metal.
Most circulated junk silver coins are composed of an alloy containing 90% pure silver. Others may have a specific weight and purity denoted on them. This high silver content gives them a significant intrinsic value based on the current spot price of silver. Silver's weight is measured in troy ounces, which differ from the more common avoirdupois ounce used to measure most other goods in the U.S. An avoirdupois ounce contains roughly 28.35 grams, but a troy ounce contains roughly 31.1035 grams.
Silver Coin Melt Value Calculator
Determining the current price of silver coins is quick and easy. Simply enter the quantity of each coin denomination below and click the calculate button. The values are instantly calculated based on today's silver spot price.
Potential Numismatic Value
Beyond the silver content, pre-1965 silver coins may also have numismatic value for collectors. The melt value doesn't consider the numismatic or collector value that a coin might have. Specific key dates, mint marks, or conditions can make some coins worth significantly more than their melt value. Collectible coins may be worth more than their melt value due to rarity, historical significance, condition, and demand from collectors.
If you have questions about whether a coin has numismatic value, you can visit a local coin store in your area for a professional appraisal.
Silver Coin Melt Values
Historically, investors have utilized silver as a store of value and a hedge against inflation. As a tangible asset, silver can help preserve wealth over time. Many pre-1965 coins are valued for their 90% silver content.
By understanding the melt value, buyers can ensure they pay only a little over the intrinsic value. Melt value calculations require accurate information about the piece's purity and weight. Understanding these can help you verify that the silver coin you're buying is not counterfeit.
If your primary goal is to invest in precious metals, knowing the melt value allows you to assess the potential for profit or loss. You can track silver's market price and make informed decisions about buying or selling based on price.
When considering different forms of silver (e.g., coins vs. bars), knowing the melt value helps you compare them equally. For instance, you can compare the premium (the amount over melt value) you're paying for a coin to determine if it's a better or worse investment than a bar.
Silver investors often track their holdings' value to gauge their investment portfolio's overall performance. Knowing the is also important when selling.
Collector or numismatic coins derive much of their value from factors other than their melt value, such as rarity and historical significance.
