These coins, issued by the United States Mint between 1965 and 1970, contain 40% silver and 60% copper. Introduced following the Coinage Act of 1965, they replaced the 90% silver composition of previous half-dollar coins. For example, a coin of this type will exhibit a visible copper band along its edge due to its layered composition.
These coins hold inherent value derived from their silver content, making them attractive to collectors and investors. Historically, they represent a transitional period in U.S. coinage, reflecting the rising cost of silver and the subsequent shift to clad coinage. This transition marked a significant change in the metal composition of circulating currency.