When the coins were made, silver half dollars can be a good investment.If you want to find the right half dollars, you may not know where to look and what coins are worth.You can find silver half dollars at your local bank, in antique shops, or through professional coin dealers.If you know where to look for the markers of silver half dollars, you can find more rare coins.
Step 1: In 1969 or earlier, look for half dollars.
Half dollars contained 80% silver.In 1965, the U.S. Mint removed silver from dimes and quarters.The silver content in half dollars was reduced from 90% to 40% in the years 1966-1970.Most coins made after 1970 are nickel-clad.Kennedy 1964 half dollars are the last 90% silver coins produced by the Federal Reserve.If you find a half dollar, make sure it matches the symbol that was used to make it.A Kennedy half dollar with a date before 1965, for example, is a potential counterfeit, but only the most rare dates are actually counterfeited.
Step 2: A magnet can be used.
The silver has weak magnetic effects.Your coins are most likely not silver if they stick to a magnet.If the half dollar is strongly magnetic, it's more likely to be nickel-clad.Some metals can look like silver.Bring your coin to a dealer who can determine its authenticity.
Step 3: You can try the ice test.
The thermal conductivity of silver is higher than any other metal.Your coin is most likely silver if you place a piece of ice directly on the silver.This test should not be performed outdoors.In a room temperature area, the ice test will be the most accurate.
Step 4: The ring test is done.
You can hear the sound of your coin hitting the ground by tossing it in the air.A high-pitched ringing sound can be made from authentic silver.The coin is likely to be a fake if it doesn't make this sound.If you are certain that the coin is not a rare date/mint mark combination, you should only do this test.The ring test can hurt a coin's value if it falls from a high place.
Step 5: Check the coin for damage.
A counterfeiter may have altered the date or mint mark if the area is marred or tampered with.If the coin is around the mint mark or date, don't trust it.You might be dealing with a fake coin.
Step 6: A large corporate bank is what you should choose.
If you want to find silver half dollars, you should look for a bank with circulating coins.Big-name banks with businessmen are the best for circulating half-dollars.Large amounts of circulating coins are dealt with by corporate banks.Non-account holders can often purchase coin rolls from banks that specialize in merchant business.Smaller banks may be hesitant.
Step 7: Roll with coins that are returned in bulk.
If your bank says that one person returned a large amount of money, they will probably be searched.There are a variety of rolls that you can ask for.Older coins are more likely to be in these.
Step 8: If you're looking for banks with hand-rolled half dollars, look for them.
The latter are from the Federal Reserve.New half dollar coins are useless because they don't have silver.Ask your bank teller if the coins are new.
Step 9: You can exchange cash for coin rolls at the bank.
Visit the local banks and swap your money for half dollar rolls.To trade for the coin rolls, bring paper cash.You can trade the rolls back in if you keep track of them.You can ask the bank tellers to show you the rolls that are at the bottom of their stacks.Older coins are more likely to be found.
Step 10: Search for half dollars.
When the Federal Reserve used silver, remember the key markers of a rare half dollar.Search your coins carefully and thoroughly.Search the rolls at another time if you can't focus.Don't search all the rolls at the same time.Break in between rolls to make sure you don't miss a silver half dollar.You can return unwrapped coins to the bank later if you store them in a specific place.You don't want to make coin collecting an expensive hobby if you lose track of coins.
Step 11: You should have a good relationship with local bank tellers.
You can exchange money for coin rolls at the same banks.Get to know the tellers and let them know what you're looking for.When new half dollar rolls arrive, ask them if they'll contact you.
Step 12: Look at local stores.
Vintage silver coins can be found in antique stores.The term "junk silver" refers to old coins that are in good condition.They should inspect their coin collection for silver half dollars.Vintage coins may be carried by thrift shops.Ask your friends who work in retail to give you half of their salary.You can exchange your paper money for half dollars at their store.
Step 13: You can visit flea markets.
Flea market listings can be found in your local newspaper.When you get to the booth, look for vendors selling coins.If you find a silver half dollar, ask your vendor if they have a certificate of authenticity for the coin.If you want to wake up early on the weekends, check garage and estate sales.Someone is selling their personal coin collections.You never know if you'll find silver coins at a yard sale.
Step 14: Half dollars can be purchased from coin dealers.
Ask the coin dealers in your area if they have silver half dollars for sale.You're likely to find a dealer who sells half dollars for a variety of coins.An authorized purchaser is a dealer who works with the U.S. Mint.This assures that your coin dealer is professional and safe.Most Authorized Purchasers have been in the business for over five years.
Step 15: Use a metal detector.
Go searching for metal in local areas if you buy or build a metal detector.beaches, ski resorts, or campsites are the best places to look for coins.You never know if you'll find a silver half dollar with metal detecting.It's best to find coins in heavily-trafficked areas.You aren't likely to find what you're looking for in the countryside or forests.You can visit old areas for older coins.A building constructed in the last ten years might not have old coins, but a building fifty or more years old might have vintage coins.