Strolling Liberty half {dollars} minted between 1916 and 1947 are 90% silver and 10% copper. A half greenback from this era incorporates 0.3617 troy ounces of pure silver. These minted from 1948 to 1964 comprise no silver, being composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel, clad over a core of pure copper. From 1965 to 1970, they reverted to containing silver, however at a lowered purity of 40%, with the remaining 60% being copper. This equates to 0.1479 troy ounces of silver in these later cash. It is essential to distinguish these intervals when assessing a coin’s worth.
The silver content material is a major issue figuring out the worth of those cash, particularly for these minted earlier than 1965. Past face worth, the intrinsic metallic worth usually considerably exceeds the numismatic worth, significantly for well-preserved specimens. The completely different silver compositions throughout the minting years create distinct classes for collectors and traders, making correct identification important. This historic shift in metallic composition displays broader financial modifications and governmental insurance policies concerning valuable metals.
