From 1965 to 1970 the half dollars they produced were 40 percent silver and 60 percent copper. The outer layer of this coin is plated in a mix that is 80 percent silver, so they still have the same look, but they are not as intrinsically valuable. These coins remained popular and out of circulation.
What kind of silver is in a half dollar?
Half dollars made from 1965 through 1970 are composed of two outer layers containing 80% silver and 20% copper with an inner core of 20.9% silver and 79.1% copper (net composition: 40% silver and 60% copper). Coins minted in 1971 and beyond have outer layers composed of 75% copper…
