Found More Coins

Above, a 1966 JFK half dollar (40% silver) in circulated condition. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The 1964 JFK half dollar (the first year of issue) is the only one composed of 90% silver. (I mentioned previously that I found 20 1964 JFK half dollars in the locked strongbox that I had opened and keys made.)

However, other JFK half dollars had 40% silver. 

I was going through some more stuff that was in the strongbox that was locked for years. I found some circulated JFK half dollars, one of which is a 1966 issue from Philadelphia (no mint mark) that is 40% silver. The others were two 1971 (copper clad) and a 1976 bicentennial (also copper clad) coins. 

From CoinStudy:

1964 The Special Silver Kennedy Half Dollar

In 1964 the new silver Kennedy half dollar was introduced and contained a hefty 90% silver content. Minted as a memorial of the passing of President Kennedy. First coins struck, February 11, 1964 and public distribution began March 24, 1964.

Over 430 million 1964 Kennedy halves were produced, a huge number at the time. Vast quantities were saved. Partly as remembrance of President Kennedy and partly as storing silver.

Price of silver has greatly increased since 1964. Silver was $1.29 per ounce when these coins were first minted. Today 1/9/2023 with silver in the $23.94 per ounce price range. Value of a 1964 Kennedy half is $8.06 each.

1964 is the only year of 90% silver Kennedy halves, something special worth looking for in a group of old coins.

A Change In Silver Content

Following the first year saw a change in metal composition. In the years 1965 through 1970 a 40% silver Kennedy half dollar was minted for circulation.

This new composition is 80% silver and 20% copper layers bonded to a center core of 21% silver and 79% copper. A total of 40% silver by weight.

After this, all JFK half dollars are copper clad.