LemonTrades
TL;DR
- Half dollars dated 1776–1976 were struck in 1975 and 1976 for America’s 200th birthday, with Independence Hall on the back.
- Those made for circulation, from Philadelphia (no mint mark) and Denver (D), are copper-nickel and usually worth 50 cents.
- The 40% silver version, with an S mint mark, came in collector sets and holds 0.1479 troy ounces, worth the live melt value below.
- LemonTrades follows the silver price for you, with alerts on sharp moves and the likely cause.
Check the mint mark, to the right of Kennedy’s neck, above the date.
How to tell if yours is silver
- Mint mark: only S coins can be silver, and many S coins are copper-nickel proofs.
- Edge: a copper stripe means no silver.
- Weight: 11.5 grams for silver, 11.34 grams for copper-nickel.
The Bicentennial designs
For 1975 and 1976, the quarter, half and dollar all got new backs and the double date: a colonial drummer on the quarter, Independence Hall on the half and the Liberty Bell over the moon on the dollar. The 40% silver versions were sold in three-coin sets.
Worth more
- Uncirculated or proof coins in top condition.
- Errors, such as doubled dies or off-center strikes.
More: Kennedy half dollar value, Eisenhower dollar value and what quarters are silver.
Sources
Education, not financial advice. Collector values vary with condition and demand; get a valuable coin checked by a reputable dealer or grading service. See our disclaimer.
