The span of time during which the United States produced half dollar coins composed of a significant percentage of silver is a key area of numismatic interest. These coins, minted primarily before 1971, contained 90% silver in issues prior to 1965, and 40% silver in the Kennedy half dollars from 1965-1970. For instance, a 1964 Kennedy half dollar or a 1947 Walking Liberty half dollar exemplifies coins from this important period.
The historical context surrounding these silver-containing coins is significant due to the role of silver in the U.S. monetary system and the subsequent removal of silver from circulating coinage. The intrinsic value of the silver content often exceeds the face value, making them attractive to collectors and investors. This characteristic differentiates these coins from later clad issues and imbues them with both historical and commodity value.