40% Silver Coins

40% Junk Silver Coins

Before 1965, silver U.S. coins minted by the government contained 90% silver. However, by the early 1960s, the United States faced a silver shortage as the price of precious metals began to rise. To address this, Congress reduced the silver content in newly minted coins. As the price of silver climbed, people started hoarding the silver coins still in circulation, prompting the U.S. Mint to increase production. Despite this effort, hoarding persisted, leading to further reductions in the silver content. Coins minted from 1965 to 1970 contained 40% silver and 60% copper, but even these coins were hoarded. By 1970, the U.S. transitioned to producing coins made of copper and nickel, ending the era of silver coinage. Today, collectors and investors continue to seek out these "junk silver" coins, with their 90% and 40% silver content, as valuable additions to their collections and portfolios.

Popular 40% Junk Silver Coins

KENNEDY HALF DOLLARS

The Kennedy Half Dollar was first issued in 1964, just months after the tragic assassination of President John F. Kennedy. This coin quickly became a symbol of honor for the beloved president and an important piece of American coinage. Initially minted with 90% silver, exclusively for the introductory year, the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar quickly became a sought-after collectible. However, due to rising silver prices in the 1960s, the silver content was reduced to 40% starting in 1965, and by 1971, the coin was made entirely of copper-nickel alloy.

The 40% silver Kennedy Half Dollar consisted of two layers: the inner core was made of 21% silver and 79% copper, while the outer layer contained 80% silver and 20% copper. Despite this change in silver content, the coin's design remained the same. On the obverse, a profile portrait of John F. Kennedy is depicted, accompanied by the inscriptions “In God We Trust,” “Liberty,” and the year of minting. The reverse features a modified version of the Presidential Seal, with a bald eagle holding an olive branch and arrows, surrounded by 50 stars representing the American states. This design, created by Gilroy Roberts with input from Jacqueline Kennedy, remains iconic to this day.

EISENHOWER DOLLARS

The Peace Dollar, the last U.S. Silver Dollar containing 90% silver, was discontinued in 1935. However, in 1971, the U.S. Mint introduced a new one-dollar coin: the Eisenhower Dollar. This was the first time in 35 years that the mint had produced a one-dollar coin, and it was created to honor President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who passed away in March 1969. Although there was strong support for the new coin, a debate over the metal composition delayed its approval. Ultimately, Congress decided that 40% silver would be used for minting collectible coins, while base metal versions would be produced for general circulation. President Richard Nixon authorized the Eisenhower Dollar on December 31, 1970, and the coin was minted from 1971 to 1978.

The design of the Eisenhower Dollar features a striking portrait of President Eisenhower on the obverse, surrounded by the words "Liberty," "In God We Trust," and the year of minting. The reverse side pays tribute to the Apollo XI moon landing, depicting an eagle flying over the surface of the moon, holding an olive branch in its talons. In the background, North America is visible from space, symbolizing both peace and exploration. The image is framed by 13 stars and the inscriptions "E Pluribus Unum" and "United States of America." The coin was designed by Mint Chief Engraver Frank Gasparro and, despite its short production run, remains a popular and affordable choice among collectors.

An American Legacy in 40% Silver 

Both the Kennedy Half Dollar and the Eisenhower Dollar represent significant moments in American coinage history, honoring two beloved U.S. presidents while marking transitions in the use of silver in circulating currency. The Kennedy Half Dollar, first minted in 1964, saw its silver content reduced to 40% before transitioning to a copper-nickel alloy, while the Eisenhower Dollar brought back the one-dollar coin for the first time since the Peace Dollar, with special silver editions for collectors. These coins not only serve as reminders of American history but also provide exciting opportunities for collectors and investors alike.

If you're interested in adding these historic 40% silver coins to your collection, feel free to contact us at Bullion Exchanges. We're ready to help you find the perfect piece to fit your collection.