In the 1960s, silver was phased out from the United States circulating currency. This transition began with a reduction in the silver content of half-dollars to 40%. President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Coinage Act of 1965, which authorized the minting of coins devoid of silver, effectively debasing the half-dollar. Additionally, the act temporarily halted the production of silver coins until 1970. Today, coins predating this era are highly sought after for their silver content and their intrinsic historical value, serving as tangible reminders of a pivotal moment in American monetary history. Colloquially referred to as “junk silver,” these coins remain popular among collectors and investors seeking precious metal holdings and pieces of numismatic heritage.
