1965 silver 1/2 dollar..... I think it is 90 % silver and not the 40%

[Liseva]

Hi from Liseva;

I bought a proof set of 1965 US coins last fall and upon reviewing them I have found that the 1/2 dollar does not have the tell a tale sign that it contains copper the usually lines the rim of the coins. Instead its just silver. The color is more vibrant than the others and it makes a more of a lower tinking sound when I drop it on the counter than the 1971 coin..... I can send a picture if needed. How can I tell. I know that they stopped putting 90 % of silver in the coins in 1964 I believe. Any suggestions?
Thx.

 

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[DeepseekerADS]

1964 was the last 90% half dollar. From 65 - 69 they were 40%. In 1970, they were 40% in collector sets only. Starting in '92 they started putting them in special collector sets only.

Eisenhower dollars were 40% up to '72.

The 40% coins had silver rims, easy to spot in coin roll searching.

Hope this helps!

 

[sagittarius98]

Most of the proof and SMS 40% look like they are 90%. My 1976-S 40% has a blazing white edge.

 

[treidm]

Easy way to determine

Kennedy Half Dollar Weights

90% Silver = 12.50 g
40% Silver = 11.50 g
Copper-Nickel Clad = 11.34 g

....Reid

 

[Diver_Down]

The only way to tell would be to weigh the coin on a gram scale. 90% - 12.5 grams 40% - 11.5 grams

It is certainly possible that you have a 65 struck on 90% planchet. The demand for 64's caused the mint to continue minting '64 halves well into 65. '65 halves didn't begin production until mid-way through the year. The overlap of production allows for the possibility.

 

[jayg]

nice!

 

[stonehenge]

The only way to tell would be to weigh the coin on a gram scale. 90% - 12.5 grams 40% - 11.5 grams

It is certainly possible that you have a 65 struck on 90% planchet. The demand for 64's caused the mint to continue minting '64 halves well into 65. '65 halves didn't begin production until mid-way through the year. The overlap of production allows for the possibility.

I believe I read that they minted 90% 64s for even a few more years than that. Somewhere around 68 if I remember correctly.

Regardless, the weight test is the only way to verify.

 

[jerseyben]

Hi from Liseva;

I bought a proof set of 1965 US coins last fall and upon reviewing them I have found that the 1/2 dollar does not have the tell a tale sign that it contains copper the usually lines the rim of the coins. Instead its just silver. The color is more vibrant than the others and it makes a more of a lower tinking sound when I drop it on the counter than the 1971 coin..... I can send a picture if needed. How can I tell. I know that they stopped putting 90 % of silver in the coins in 1964 I believe. Any suggestions?
Thx.

I don't understand what you are saying about the rim containing copper. Why did you take it out of it's packaging and why are you dropping it on the counter? As others have stated, a simple weight check will tell you what you want to know.

 

[Joshr29]

The 90% and 40% ones really don't look any different on my eyes.

 

[clarknau]

Eisenhower dollars were 40% up to '72.

I'm fairly sure Eisenhower Dollars can be 40% silver from 1971 to 1976 and not all 1971/1972 Eisenhower Dollars are 40% silver either.

 

[Rigo]

I guess the guys got this one under control. It is a 40%er.