The question of the last year for silver half dollars is a bit more nuanced than a simple year. The answer depends on what you mean by "silver half dollar"—are you referring to the composition, the design, or the minting of a specific series? Let's break down the different aspects to give you a complete picture.
What Defines a "Silver Half Dollar"?
Before diving into specific years, it's crucial to understand what constitutes a silver half dollar. Throughout history, the US Mint has produced half dollars with varying silver content. This makes pinpointing a single "last year" challenging. We need to clarify the criteria:
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90% Silver: For many collectors, a "silver half dollar" implies a coin composed of 90% silver. These are highly sought after for their precious metal content. The last year for 90% silver half dollars was 1964. After this, the composition changed due to rising silver prices.
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40% Silver: From 1965 to 1970, the US Mint produced half dollars with a clad composition – 40% silver, 60% copper. These are less valuable than their 90% silver predecessors, but they still hold interest for numismatists.
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Clad Composition (No Silver): Since 1971, half dollars have been struck with a clad composition of copper and nickel, containing no silver. This change was permanent and is still the current composition.
When Were Different Half Dollar Designs Last Minted in Silver?
The design on the half dollar also influences its value and collectibility. Here's a breakdown by design:
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Walking Liberty Half Dollar: The beautiful Walking Liberty design was minted in 90% silver until 1947. While the design was revived later, these later versions were not made of 90% silver.
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Franklin Half Dollar: The Franklin Half Dollar, featuring Benjamin Franklin, was minted in 90% silver until 1964.
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Kennedy Half Dollar: While the Kennedy Half Dollar design began in 1964 (and continues to this day), the initial issues were 90% silver until, once again, 1964. Since then, various clad compositions have been used.
Were Silver Half Dollars Minted After 1964?
While the vast majority of silver half dollars ended in 1964, there were some limited exceptions. Some proof sets and special mint issues might contain silver half dollars struck after 1964, but these are scarce and highly collectible. These are not regular circulation coins and wouldn't have been encountered in everyday transactions.
What About Commemorative Silver Half Dollars?
Throughout history, commemorative silver half dollars have been issued with varying designs and silver content. The last year for a specific commemorative silver half dollar will vary depending on the issue. Researching individual commemorative coins is necessary to determine the last year of production for a particular design.
Finding and Appraising Silver Half Dollars
If you're interested in finding and evaluating silver half dollars, several resources are available:
- Reputable coin dealers: They can provide expert appraisal and authentication services.
- Online resources: Websites dedicated to numismatics offer comprehensive information and pricing guides.
- Numismatic societies: These organizations often have members who can assist with identification and valuation.
Remember, the value of a silver half dollar depends on several factors including its condition (grade), mint mark, and the year it was minted.
By understanding the nuances of silver composition, design variations, and the historical context, you can gain a better appreciation for the fascinating history of silver half dollars and accurately answer the question of their final production years.
