How to tell if a 1971 half-dollar is silver? In 1971, the United States Mint transitioned from using silver in half-dollar coins to using copper-nickel clads. This change has left many wondering if their 1971 half dollars contain valuable silver or just the copper-nickel.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: check the edge of the coin – if it’s silver all the way through, it’s 40% silver. If it’s copper in the middle with silver on the outside, it’s copper-nickel and not silver.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know to determine if your 1971 half-dollar is made of silver or not. We’ll discuss the history behind the change to copper-nickel halves, what to look for when examining the coins, and the potential value difference between silver and copper-nickel 1971 halves.
Background on the Change from Silver to Copper-Nickel in 1971 Half Dollars
When US Half Dollars Changed Compositions
Up until 1965, all half-dollar coins produced for circulation contained 90% silver. But rising silver prices led the US Mint to start producing copper-nickel clad half dollars instead, containing just outer layers of 75% copper and 25% nickel, with a pure copper core.
This switch officially took place in 1971, marking the end of real “silver halves.”
Why the Change Was Made
The move away from silver was deemed necessary because the intrinsic value of the silver in the coins was exceeding the face value of the coins. With silver trading for over $1.50 per ounce in the 1960s, people began hoarding silver coinage for its precious metal value, resulting in circulation shortages.
By changing compositions to cheaper metals like copper and nickel, the US Mint could continue minting abundant supplies of half-dollar coins cost-effectively. This ensured commerce was not disrupted despite rising silver prices on global markets.
How to Visually Distinguish Silver vs. Copper-Nickel Halves
An easy way to tell if a 1971 half-dollar contains silver is to check the edge of the coin. Silver halves have reeded edges with sharp, distinct lines. The copper-nickel clad halves have much smoother reeded edges.
You can also weigh the coins. Silver halves weigh 12.5 grams whereas the copper-nickel-clad halves weigh just 11.5 grams. Additionally, silver coins have a higher-pitched “ring” when pinged, compared to the duller thud of clads.
Visually, silver halves have brighter, whiter luster whereas copper-nickel coins look more gray in tone. Examining the dates also helps – most of the half-dollar coins minted after 1971 would contain no silver, only copper-nickel.
Examining a 1971 Half Dollar for Silver Content
Check the Edge
The quickest way to check if a 1971 half-dollar contains silver is to examine the edge of the coin. Pre-1971 half dollars were made from 90% silver, giving the edges a white appearance. If the outer edge of your 1971 half-dollar coin displays a copper/reddish color, it is most likely made from copper-nickel and contains no silver.
Examine the Date and Mint Mark
Another method is closely checking the date and mint mark on the coin. The majority of 1971 half dollars were minted in San Francisco (mint mark “S“) and do not contain silver. However, a small number of 40% silver half dollars were produced that year at the Denver mint (mint mark “D“).
If your coin has a “D” mint mark below the date, there is a chance it contains some silver.
Evaluate the Weight
Finally, weighing your half-dollar can provide clues about its silver content. Pre-1971 90% silver half-dollars weight 12.5 grams. The copper-nickel-clad versions produced since 1971 weigh only 11.5 grams. Use a jeweler’s scale or precision digital scale to weigh your coin.
If it weighs 12.5 grams and passes the other visual checks above, you likely have a silver 1971 half-dollar worth well above face value.
Value Difference Between 1971 Silver and Copper-Nickel Halves
Silver 1971 Halves
The silver halves minted in 1971 are composed of 40% silver and 60% copper. These coins have a face value of 50 cents, but due to their precious metal content, they are highly valued by coin collectors and investors.
According to the NGC Coin Explorer, 1971 silver half dollars in mint condition can be worth between $8 to $75 depending on factors like mint mark and condition.
One key factor that increases the value of 1971 silver halves is scarcity. Although over 300 million were produced that year before the U.S. Mint transitioned to using copper-nickel, many have been melted down for their silver content over the decades. This shrinks the supply available to collectors.
Copper-Nickel 1971 Halves
Unlike their silver counterparts, the copper-nickel-clad halves minted later in 1971 only contain trace amounts of silver from the copper used in their outer layers. Without precious metal value, these coins traded based on collector demand for the over 1.5 billion that were produced.
For common, circulated copper-nickel 1971 halves, the value typically ranges from face value up to $1. Uncirculated examples can fetch $2 to $10 on average, with rare pieces graded MS66 bringing over $100 at auction if the surfaces are pristine.
| Type of 1971 Half Dollar | Typical Value Range |
| Silver (40% silver) | $8 to $75 |
| Copper-Nickel (clad, trace silver) | $0.50 to $10 |
As you can see, silver 1971 half dollars carry a much higher premium over their copper-nickel counterparts from later that year. With silver bullion value and collector appeal, nice examples of the 40% silver halves remain highly popular over 50 years later.
How To Tell If A 1971 Half-Dollar Is Silver – Conclusion
As you have learned, determining if your 1971 Kennedy half dollar contains silver requires carefully examining the edge, date, mint mark, and weight. While all 1971 halves have decreased in value compared to their older 90% silver counterparts, those that do contain 40% silver are worth considerably more than those made of copper nickel.
We hope this guide has helped you establish if your 1971 half dollars are silver or not. With practice inspecting the visual cues and weight, you can quickly ascertain silver content. Knowing the difference is key to understanding the numismatic value and figuring out if your 1971 half-dollar is an average circulation coin or a valuable silver find.
