40% Silver Bag Specifications
Technical details and silver content calculations for 40% Kennedy half dollar bags.
Individual Coin Specifications
| Coin Type | Kennedy Half Dollar |
| Years Minted (40% Silver) | 1965-1970 |
| Silver Content | 40% (0.400 fine) |
| Diameter | 30.6 mm (1.205 inches) |
| Weight | 11.50 grams |
| Thickness | 2.15 mm |
| Edge | Reeded (150 reeds) |
| Composition | Outer: 80% Ag, 20% Cu / Core: 21% Ag, 79% Cu |
Bag Specifications ($1,000 Face Value)
| Standard Bag Size | $1,000 Face Value |
| Number of Coins | 2,000 half dollars |
| Silver per Coin (ASW) | 0.1479 troy ounces |
| Total Silver (ASW) | ~295 troy ounces |
| Gross Weight (Bag) | ~50.7 lbs (23 kg) |
The 40% Composition Explained
Unlike 90% silver coins which are a simple alloy, 40% Kennedy half dollars use a clad construction with multiple layers:
Outer Cladding
80% silver, 20% copper. This gives the coin its silver appearance and provides the majority of the silver content.
Inner Core
20.9% silver, 79.1% copper. This copper-rich core reduces overall silver content while maintaining the coin's weight and structure.
The combined result is approximately 40% silver by total weight. Each coin weighs 11.50 grams with an actual silver weight of 4.6 grams (0.1479 troy ounces).
Silver Content Calculations
Understanding the math behind 40% silver helps you evaluate pricing and compare to other silver products:
Per Coin Calculation
11.50 grams × 0.40 (silver content) = 4.6 grams silver
4.6 grams ÷ 31.1035 (grams per troy oz) = 0.1479 troy oz ASW
Per Bag Calculation ($1,000 FV)
2,000 coins × 0.1479 oz = ~295.8 troy oz ASW
Often rounded to 295 or 296 troy ounces for trading purposes.
Silver Content Comparison
How 40% silver bags compare to other forms of junk silver:
| Type | Silver Content | ASW per $1 FV | ASW per $1,000 FV |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40% Halves (1965-70) | 40% | 0.2958 oz | ~295 oz |
| 90% Halves (Pre-1965) | 90% | 0.7234 oz | ~715 oz |
| 90% Dimes/Quarters | 90% | 0.7150 oz | ~715 oz |
View current pricing at 40% silver coin bag price charts
Understanding 40% Silver Bag Pricing
The price of a 40% silver bag is primarily determined by silver content:
Base Value
Silver spot price × ~295 troy ounces = intrinsic metal value
Premium/Discount
Market conditions determine whether bags trade at a premium or discount to melt value. 40% silver often trades at lower premiums than 90%.
Market Factors
Dealer inventory, physical silver demand, and refining economics all influence premiums on circulated silver.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much silver is in a 40% Kennedy half dollar?
Each 40% silver Kennedy half dollar (1965-1970) contains 0.1479 troy ounces of actual silver weight (ASW). This is calculated from the coin's 11.50 gram weight and 40% silver composition.
How much silver is in a $1,000 face value bag?
A $1,000 face value bag of 40% Kennedy half dollars contains 2,000 coins with a total of approximately 295 troy ounces of actual silver weight. This is often rounded to 295 oz ASW for trading purposes.
What years are 40% silver Kennedy half dollars?
Kennedy half dollars from 1965 through 1970 contain 40% silver. The 1964 Kennedy halves are 90% silver, and 1971 and later contain no silver (copper-nickel clad).
Why is 40% silver sometimes called junk silver?
The term 'junk silver' refers to U.S. circulated coins valued primarily for their silver content rather than numismatic value. 40% silver half dollars fall into this category because they are traded in bulk based on silver weight, not collector value.
How do 40% silver bags compare to 90% silver bags?
90% silver bags (pre-1965 coins) contain more silver per dollar of face value, about 0.715 oz per dollar vs 0.295 oz for 40% silver. However, 40% silver often trades at lower premiums, making it cost-effective for bulk silver accumulation.
What affects the price of 40% silver bags?
Prices are determined by the current silver spot price multiplied by the bag's actual silver weight (~295 oz), plus a premium or discount based on market demand, dealer inventory, and overall precious metals conditions.
Are smaller bag sizes available?
Yes, dealers often sell smaller quantities such as $100 or $500 face value bags, or even individual rolls of 40% halves. Smaller quantities may carry slightly higher per-ounce premiums.
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