The composition of a Franklin half dollar, minted from 1948 through 1963, includes 90% silver and 10% copper. This results in a total silver weight of 0.7234 troy ounces within the coin’s overall weight of 12.5 grams. The remaining portion consists of copper, added to enhance the coin’s durability.
Understanding the silver content is vital for collectors and investors alike. The intrinsic value of these coins fluctuates with the prevailing market price of silver, often exceeding their face value. Historically, these half dollars represent a tangible connection to a period when circulating coinage contained significant precious metal content.