What You Should Know About 40% Silver Coins
Between 1965 and 1976, the U.S. Mint issued coins containing 40% silver, some of which became very popular among collectors. The Eisenhower Silver Dollar contained 40% silver (between 1971 and 1974, then again in 1976) as well as the Kennedy Half Dollar (between 1965 and 1970, then again in 1976). The 40% silver coins came into being after a stated silver shortage in the early 1960s. As a result, President Lyndon Johnson issued the 1965 Coin Act, removing even more silver from U.S. coins in circulation (which contained 90% silver up to that time). Ultimately, all silver was removed from coins in circulation by the 1970s, making coins with 40% silver collector’s items as well as a vehicle for some investors.
As the 40% coins were produced, their silver content changed significantly. The inner layer of these silver half dollars was made of 79% copper and 21% silver while the outside was 80% silver and 20% copper. The weight was 11.5 grams and is still worth its original face value of 50 cents.
Once 1971 rolled around, the Kennedy Half Dollar would have all of its silver removed due to the ongoing silver shortage. Today, 40% Kennedy Silver Half Dollars can be obtained from online dealers, usually in bags or rolls with a purchase price that is a bit higher than their face value. Commonly, the silver half dollars will be configured in $10, $100, $500 and $1,000 bags.
When making a decision on buying U.S. coins with partial silver content, it’s important to remember that 90% silver are not only collectable but are viewed favorably by many investors because of its high silver content. They will always sell for greater than their face value. While 40% silver coins are viewed favorably by collectors as well, they are less valuable than 90% silver coins and are usually sold with a much smaller premium by coin dealers.
Whether buying 90% silver, 40% silver or pure silver coins, purchases can be made from Metals.com that offers a wide selection, competitive pricing, and easy shipping.
The Metals.com Staff
