How to Find Silver Half Dollars
Look for half dollars minted before 1964 or between 1965-69., Use a magnet., Try the ice test., Do the ring test., Check for damages on the coin.
Step-by-Step Guide
-
Step 1: Look for half dollars minted before 1964 or between 1965-69.
The older the half dollar, the more it will be worth.
Prior to 1964, half dollars contained 90% silver.
In 1964, the U.S.
Mint removed silver from all dimes and quarters.
They also reduced the silver content in half dollars from 90% to 40%, which is the silver content for all half dollars minted from 1965-1970.
Most coins minted after 1970 are not made of silver but are most likely nickel-clad half dollars.Kennedy 1964 half dollars are the last 90% silver coins minted by the Federal Reserve.
When you have find a half dollar, make sure its date matches the symbol minted during that period.
For example, a Kennedy half dollar with a date before 1964 is likely a counterfeit. -
Step 2: Use a magnet.
Silver exhibits weak magnetic effects.
If your coins stick to a magnet, they are most likely not silver.Your half dollar is more likely nickel-clad if it's strongly magnetic.
Remember that some metals (like aluminum or titanium) can look like silver and also have no metal qualities.
When in doubt, bring your coin to a dealer who can determine its authenticity. , Silver has the highest thermal conductivity of any common metal or alloy.
If you place a piece of ice directly on the silver and it melts immediately (as if it has been placed on a hot object), your coin is most likely silver.Avoid performing this test outdoors.
The ice test will be most accurate in a room temperature area. , Flick your coin in the air and listen to the sound it makes as it hits the ground.
Authentic silver will make a high-pitched ringing sound, like a bell.
If it does not make this sound, the coin is likely a counterfeit., If the area is marred or looks like it's been tampered with, a counterfeiter may have altered the date.
Don't trust a coin with lots of strange markings or scratches, especially if they're around the symbol or date.
You may be dealing with a counterfeit coin. -
Step 3: Try the ice test.
-
Step 4: Do the ring test.
-
Step 5: Check for damages on the coin.
Detailed Guide
The older the half dollar, the more it will be worth.
Prior to 1964, half dollars contained 90% silver.
In 1964, the U.S.
Mint removed silver from all dimes and quarters.
They also reduced the silver content in half dollars from 90% to 40%, which is the silver content for all half dollars minted from 1965-1970.
Most coins minted after 1970 are not made of silver but are most likely nickel-clad half dollars.Kennedy 1964 half dollars are the last 90% silver coins minted by the Federal Reserve.
When you have find a half dollar, make sure its date matches the symbol minted during that period.
For example, a Kennedy half dollar with a date before 1964 is likely a counterfeit.
Silver exhibits weak magnetic effects.
If your coins stick to a magnet, they are most likely not silver.Your half dollar is more likely nickel-clad if it's strongly magnetic.
Remember that some metals (like aluminum or titanium) can look like silver and also have no metal qualities.
When in doubt, bring your coin to a dealer who can determine its authenticity. , Silver has the highest thermal conductivity of any common metal or alloy.
If you place a piece of ice directly on the silver and it melts immediately (as if it has been placed on a hot object), your coin is most likely silver.Avoid performing this test outdoors.
The ice test will be most accurate in a room temperature area. , Flick your coin in the air and listen to the sound it makes as it hits the ground.
Authentic silver will make a high-pitched ringing sound, like a bell.
If it does not make this sound, the coin is likely a counterfeit., If the area is marred or looks like it's been tampered with, a counterfeiter may have altered the date.
Don't trust a coin with lots of strange markings or scratches, especially if they're around the symbol or date.
You may be dealing with a counterfeit coin.
About the Author
Frances Edwards
Specializes in breaking down complex home improvement topics into simple steps.
Rate This Guide
How helpful was this guide? Click to rate: