Kennedy half dollars containing silver were produced for circulation between 1964 and 1970. Coins minted in 1964 are 90% silver, while those from 1965 to 1970 are 40% silver. Any Kennedy half dollar dated 1971 or later is composed of base metals, primarily copper and nickel, and contains no silver.
The presence of silver in these coins significantly impacts their intrinsic value beyond their face value. The melt value of silver in these coins fluctuates with market prices, making them attractive to collectors and investors interested in precious metals. The silver content also connects these coins to a specific period in United States history, when silver coinage was more prevalent.