SILVER U.S. COINAGE 40% $1.00 FACE VALUE

On June 3, 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson disclosed a plan to remove all silver content from dimes and quarters. They would instead use layers of copper-nickel on each side of a layer of pure copper, also referred to as a “clad sandwich.”

This meant that the original 90% silver half-dollar would not only contain 40% silver. The Kennedy Half-Dollars only contained 90% silver for one year - 1964. In July, Congress passed the Coinage Act of 1965 and though the new half-dollar still boasted a silvery appearance, this was only due to the outer layer being 80% silver and 20% copper. 

Choosing 40% silver coins allows for lower silver premiums and investing on a budget!