Mint ceased production of the coin for general circulation. As a result of its decreasing usage, many pre-2002 half dollars remain in Federal Reserve vaults, prompting the change in production.
Can I buy half dollars at the bank?
If you’re a coin collector interested in finding the right half dollars, you may not know where to look and what coins are valuable. You can find silver half dollars at your local bank, in antique shops or flea markets, or via professional coin dealers.
When did they stop making Kennedy half dollars for circulation?
1971
Marking an end of circulating silver coinage, the United States converted the Kennedy Half Dollar to a copper-nickel format in 1971, following composition changes that saw the denomination go from a 90% silver coin in 1964 to one with 40% silver content from 1965 through 1970.
When did they stop making half dollar coins?
Clad, or “sandwich” coins were introduced in 1965, and dimes and quarters no longer contained any silver. However, the Kennedy half dollar, for some inexplicable reason, continued to be issued with a reduced 40% silver content.
Which is the most sought after half dollar?
The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollars are among the most sought after of all 90% silver coins. These half dollars, the first to feature the now-familiar portrait of President John F. Kennedy, have been beloved as souvenirs and vessels of silver bullion among generations of Americans.
Why was the silver content of the half dollar reduced?
The price of silver left the continued production of precious metal coinage financially infeasible. So, the U.S. Mint changed the composition of the dime and quarter to a copper-nickel clad format while reducing the silver content of the half dollar to 40% beginning in 1965.
Why are there still half dollars in vending machines?
Many people saved Kennedy half dollars as a memento of Pres. Kennedy. Also, when the silver was removed from the dime and quarter, the half still had 40% silver, so a lot of people saved the halves. Plus, most vending machines don’t accept half dollars.
