A 1965 90 Silver Half Dollar: Myth or Reality?

When it comes to coin collecting, the discovery of rare and unique items can be incredibly valuable. One such fascinating mystery is the existence of a 1965 90 silver half dollar. This article aims to explore the truth behind this myth, its rarity, and why it is highly unlikely to exist.

The Background

Half dollars made of 90% silver were a regular feature in the U.S. currency until 1964. Following this year, the composition changed to 40% silver, with copper and nickel making up the remainder. The significance of this change lies in the broader economic context of the time, particularly the silver crisis of the mid-1960s, which led to the demonetization of silver coins.

Rare and Valuable?

The idea of a 1965 90 silver half dollar is intriguing, but it is based on a misunderstanding. The problem lies in the precise identification of the coin's production year. It is highly improbable that an original 1965 90 silver half dollar exists, given the strict laws and practices in place at the time of manufacture. Let's delve deeper into the details.

The Legal Backdrop

According to the Coinage Act of 1965, any leftover 90% silver blanks from prior years (1964 in this case) had to be stamped with the correct date (1964) and circulated accordingly. This law ensured that old silver blanks were used to mint coins from the previous year, thereby preserving the silver content of the coins.

Rarity and Possibilities

While the possibility of a 1965 90 silver half dollar being exceptionally rare cannot be entirely dismissed, the likelihood is extremely low. There are several reasons for this:

The Mint would have been extremely vigilant in ensuring that all 90% silver blanks were used to mint 1964-dated coins, thus avoiding any violations of the law.

The transition period was well-documented, and there is no robust evidence of 90% silver coins from 1965 actually existing.

Almost 280 million half dollars were minted in 1965, all dated 1964 and made of 90% silver, making it nearly impossible to distinguish between 1964 and 1965 coins.

Why It Might Not Exist

Given these facts, it is much more plausible that any 90% silver half dollar you could come across today would be a 1964 coin with a 1965 date or a modern counterfeit. Here are a few more points to consider:

Professional grading services would recommend getting the coin professionally appraised and graded to confirm its authenticity. This is crucial to avoid overpaying for a coin with no significant value.

The story of a 1965 90 silver half dollar is often circulated as a misconception. While it has potential as a fascinating area of study for philatelists and coin enthusiasts, the reality is far less glamorous.

Conclusion

In the world of coin collecting, rarity drives value. However, when it comes to a 1965 90 silver half dollar, the myth is more captivating than the reality. Understanding the historical context and the legal implications during that period helps debunk the misconception. Therefore, if you encounter such a coin, it is highly likely to be a misunderstanding or a counterfeit. Nonetheless, the journey of discovery and learning about the history of coinage remains an enriching experience.