Sell a silver Kennedy half dollar
The half dollar with John F. Kennedy, first struck in 1964 after his death. Only that first year is 900 silver; the years after are 400.
- Purity
- 900‰
- Country
- United States
- Silver rate
- €1.75/g
What do we pay for a silver Kennedy half dollar?
Based on the silver rate of this moment, €1.75 per gram of fine material. As of:
| Variant | Fine silver | Total weight | We pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| ½ dollar 1964 | 11.25 g | 12.5 g | €18.87 |
| ½ dollar 1965-1970 | 4.6 g | 11.5 g | €7.71 |
This price applies regardless of the year and the mint. With a rare year or exceptional condition the collector’s value can be higher than the material value – then we say so, even if that means you are better off not selling us the coin.
How we arrive at this amount
A coin is precious metal in a recognisable shape. What it fetches therefore depends almost entirely on the fine weight: the weight of pure silver it contains.
This coin is 900‰ pure. The rest of the alloy – usually copper – makes it harder and scratch-resistant, but has no value. That is why we calculate on the fine weight and not on what the scales say.
Only the 1964 coin is 900 silver. From 1965 to 1970 the coin is 400 silver, and after that – apart from a few collector issues – it contains none.
Not sure whether your coin is genuine? We check weight, diameter, thickness and – if in doubt – the density with X-ray analysis. Non-destructive: your coin stays intact.
Also have a look at today’s silver rate or all silver prices.
The date is everything
Shortly after Kennedy’s assassination, the US Congress decided to dedicate the half dollar to him. The 1964 coin is 900 silver. Because of the rising silver price it was made from 1965 to 1970 from layers of different silver alloys, 400 silver overall. From 1971 the ordinary coin is copper-nickel.
The 1970 Kennedy with the D mint mark appeared only in annual sets for collectors and is 400 silver.
Sorting and weighing
With a stack of Kennedys we first take out the coins without silver. What remains we weigh by period: 11.25 grams of fine silver for a 1964 coin, 4.6 grams for one from 1965 to 1970.
How to sell your silver Kennedy half dollar
From walking in to being paid usually takes less than half an hour.
Do not polish it
With collector coins, cleaning can push the value down considerably. A natural patina belongs to them.
Bring it in
With or without an appointment, at one of our 45 locations. If the coin is in a holder, leave it in there.
We assess two values
The precious metal and what the coin itself does: year, mintage and condition. You get the higher of the two.
Paid out straight away
In cash or by bank transfer. Larger amounts reach your account within 24 hours.
Also of interest
- Silver rate todayThe current silver rate per gram and per kilo, updated every minute.View
- All silver pricesWhat we pay per carat or alloy.View
- All coins and barsThe complete list of purchase prices per piece.View
- Spot price, premium and spreadWhy you never get back the premium you paid on purchase.View
Questions about selling silver Kennedy half dollar
Is my Kennedy half dollar silver?
Look at the date. 1964 is 900 silver, 1965 up to and including 1970 400. Ordinary coins from 1971 onwards contain no silver.
How much silver is in a 1964 Kennedy?
The coin weighs 12.5 grams and contains 11.25 grams of fine silver.
How can I recognise a 1965 to 1970 coin without reading the date?
By the edge: later coins without silver show a clear copper-coloured stripe. We always test the fineness to be sure.
Are there silver collector issues after 1970?
Yes, the United States Mint later struck proof versions in silver for collectors. We test and value those separately.
Is your question not listed? Ask it below, call 085 060 3009 or go to contact.
A question about silver Kennedy half dollar?
Ask it here. You will receive a personal reply by email, usually within one working day – no automated message and no phone call you did not ask for.
- An answer from a valuer, not from a template
- We keep your question so that you need not repeat anything
- No sales pitch afterwards
Sources
Where you can verify what you have just read.
- Koninklijke Nederlandse MuntThe mint that struck the Dutch coins and knows their fineness
- De Nederlandsche BankOn the guilder and exchanging old legal tender
- WaarborgHollandThe Dutch assay office that verifies fineness and strikes hallmarks
Have your silver Kennedy half dollar valued?
Free and without obligation, at a location near you.