Collection: Type 2, 40% Silver

Designed by: Gilroy Roberts and Frank Gasparro
Issue Dates: 1965-1970
Composition: 40% silver, 60% copper in clad form
Diameter: 30.6 mm
Weight: 11.50 grams (177.47 grains)
Edge: Reeded
Business Strike Mintage: 848,895,006
Proof Mintage: 8,608,947

1965–1970 Kennedy Half Dollars – 40% Silver Transitional Era | Historic “Silver Sandwich” Alloy

The 1965–1970 Kennedy Half Dollar series marks ... Read More

Designed by: Gilroy Roberts and Frank Gasparro
Issue Dates: 1965-1970
Composition: 40% silver, 60% copper in clad form
Diameter: 30.6 mm
Weight: 11.50 grams (177.47 grains)
Edge: Reeded
Business Strike Mintage: 848,895,006
Proof Mintage: 8,608,947

1965–1970 Kennedy Half Dollars – 40% Silver Transitional Era | Historic “Silver Sandwich” Alloy

The 1965–1970 Kennedy Half Dollar series marks a pivotal era in U.S. coinage history—bridging the transition from traditional 90% silver coins to modern clad compositions. While silver was entirely eliminated from dimes and quarters starting in 1965, political pressure from silver-producing interests helped preserve a reduced silver content in the half dollar denomination.

Composition & Minting

These transitional half dollars feature a unique three-layer "sandwich" composition:

• Outer Layers: .800 silver / .200 copper

• Core: .209 silver / .791 copper

• Overall Content: 40% silver by weight

This alloy was used exclusively from 1965 through 1970, after which the Kennedy half transitioned to copper-nickel clad. Notably, the 1970-D half dollar, struck only for U.S. Mint sets, was the last circulating half dollar to contain any silver, and is now considered a modern key date.

Circulation Challenges & Collector Impact

To curb rampant hoarding during the mid-1960s coin shortage:

• Mintmarks were removed from all coins between 1965 and 1967

• Proof Sets were suspended, replaced by Special Mint Sets (SMS) featuring higher-quality strikes but lacking true Proof finishes

• In 1968, mintmarks returned—relocated to the obverse, beneath Kennedy's portrait

Despite these efforts, the Kennedy half dollar struggled in circulation. The continued presence of silver—combined with the coin’s commemorative origin—encouraged saving rather than spending. The denomination’s impracticality in vending machines and commercial settings further marginalized its use.

Availability & Collectibility

• 1965–1969 business strikes are readily available in AU to Uncirculated grades

• 1965–1967 SMS coins are collectible, especially those with frosty cameo contrast

• The 1970-D is a key date, scarce in all grades and highly desirable in Mint State

• All 40% silver issues are sought by:

  • Silver bullion stackers

  • Modern U.S. type collectors

  • Kennedy half enthusiasts

Why Collect the 40% Silver Kennedy Half Dollars (1965–1970)?

• Historic transitional silver alloy

• Last circulating half dollars with silver content

• Affordable and collectible silver-era U.S. coinage

• Ideal for type sets, silver portfolios, and Kennedy-themed collections

These five years of silver-clad coinage represent a fascinating chapter in American numismatics. Whether you're assembling a complete Kennedy half series or investing in tangible silver-backed coins, the 1965–1970 Kennedy Half Dollar belongs in your collection.