Are all JFK's only 40% silver?? I have about a dozen that I thought were pretty much all silver but now I'm kinda lost after searching the internet. Everthing I find says 40% and nothing more. The ones I have are ranging from 1943-1968. Thanks for any help you can offer.
Kennedy Half Dollar Composition The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar and collectible silver proof versions issued from 1992 to present have a composition of 90% silver. The balance of the composition is copper. The silver content measures 11.25 grams or 0.3617 ounces. Kennedy Halves issued from 1965 to 1970 have a composition of 40% silver. These coins are produced with an outer layer of 80% silver and 20% copper, plus an inner layer of 20.9% silver and 79.1% copper. The resulting net composition is 40% silver and 60% copper. The silver content measures 4.6 grams or 0.1479 ounces. Kennedy Halves issued from 1971 to present are produced with a copper nickel clad alloy. An outer layer of 75% copper and 25% nickel is bonded to a core of pure copper. The resulting net composition is 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel. Edit: and your franklin halves, the ones before 1964 are 90% as well
and if you have them from as early as '43 some are probably walking liberties which are also 90 percent. also what dsmith23 said.
Oops! Sorry about the dates...they are 1963-1968... my silvers quarters are 1943-196?(5)...guess I had better pay closer attention to what I'm typing!!
I would suggest getting a redbook http://www.amazon.com/2012-Guide-United-States-Coins/dp/0794833497/ref=pd_cp_b_0
Quarters are only 90% silver up until 1965 for regular strikes. 1965-Present are clad, so you can toss all those 1965 quarters into circulation since there only worth face.
1963 marked the end of the Franklin Halves. 1964 is the beginning of the JFK series, that particular year being the last 90% offered.
Don't forget the 1976-S MS and Proof 40% Silver collector coins. If you are roll searching, keep an eye out for the 1977-D, some were minted by accident on left over 40% silver stock.
If you have any JFK halves dated prior to 1964, you have a gold mine. Seriously though, 1964 the release year for the JFK half, they were 90% silver, or .36169 ounces of fine silver. From 1965 to 1970 they were 40% silver clad, or .1479 ounces of fine silver. After 1970, business strike JFKs were copper-nickle clads.
I agree as there are several 1965 Copper-Nickel Clad quarters that I and several others would pay way over face for! For that matter ANY 1965 Quarter which grades MS66 or higher!
