Half dollars contained real silver primarily from 1892 through 1964.
Throughout much of their history, specific issues of U.S. half dollars were minted with a significant silver content, making them highly sought after by collectors and precious metal enthusiasts. These coins typically contained 90% silver, defining them as "real silver" currency from their respective eras.
Types of Silver Half Dollars
The following table details the half dollar series that were struck with a 90% silver composition:
Half Dollar Type | Years Minted | Silver Composition |
---|---|---|
Barber | 1892-1915 | 90% Silver |
Walking Liberty | 1916-1947 | 90% Silver |
Franklin | 1948-1963 | 90% Silver |
Kennedy | 1964 | 90% Silver |
These specific years and coin types represent the period when half dollars were consistently produced with a substantial silver content, distinguishing them from later issues that either had a reduced silver percentage or were made entirely of base metals.