$1 face value of 1965-1969 Kennedy Half Dollars, struck in 40% silver during the transition from 90% silver to copper-nickel.
40% (.4 fine)
Brilliant Uncirculated
United States Mint
Mint Dates
1965-1969
Composition
40% (.4 fine)
Diameter / Weight
30.6 mm / 0.295 oz.
IRA Eligible
No
Available Sizes
See SKU weight
The $1 FV 40% Silver Kennedy Half Dollars (1965-1969) pairs 40% (.4 fine) silver content with sovereign-grade authority, giving you a tradeable bullion position with clear provenance.
Kennedy Half Dollars struck from 1965 through 1969 contain 40% silver, produced during the U.S. transition away from the pre-1965 90% silver standard. Each half dollar holds 0.1479 troy oz of silver; a $1 face value bag contains two coins and approximately 0.295 troy oz of actual silver weight.
The obverse features Gilroy Roberts’ portrait of President John F. Kennedy; the reverse displays Frank Gasparro’s Presidential Seal eagle. Circulated examples show handling wear; coins are authentic U.S. Mint strikes sold by silver content rather than collector grade. 1965-1969 Kennedy halves are the only 40% silver Kennedy coins struck for circulation (pre-1965 coins are 90% silver; 1971+ are copper-nickel clad), making this composition a distinct collector tier.
40% silver Kennedys are one of the lowest-cost ways to own U.S. junk silver at a tight premium over melt value. The $1 face value format is a popular divisible unit for barter scenarios and incremental silver stacking. Junk silver is one of the most liquid formats in the retail market: every coin shop in the country recognises face-value bags.
These coins are not IRA eligible due to their .400 silver fineness, which falls below the .999 IRS threshold. Held outside retirement accounts, they serve as divisible bullion for direct ownership and trade flexibility. Because 40% silver falls below the IRS .999 silver fineness floor, this position is held outside of retirement accounts. It functions as divisible physical silver at a low premium to melt.
Weight: 0.295 oz
Diameter: 30.6 mm
Finish: Circulated (sold by silver content)
Edge: Reeded
Denomination: $1
Grade: N/A
Dimensions and weight are to mint specification. Coins ship in capsule where noted; bars ship in sealed assay packaging.
Metal: Silver
Purity: 40% (.4 fine)
40% silver, 60% copper-nickel alloy. Transition-era composition used by the U.S. Mint from 1965-1969 for Kennedy halves.
Mint: United States Mint
Struck in 1965-1969.
Struck by the United States Mint. The U.S. Mint guarantees weight, metal content, and purity on every coin, and its bullion strikes carry federal legal-tender status.
Obverse: Gilroy Roberts portrait of President John F. Kennedy.
Reverse: Frank Gasparro Presidential Seal eagle.
Ships loose by face-value weight, no capsules or COA (circulated junk silver is priced by silver content).
Sovereign mint strike with dealer-standard authentication: weight, dimensions, and recognised design.
40% silver Kennedy halves fall below the IRS minimum silver fineness of .999 required under IRC §408(m)(3). They are genuine U.S. legal tender and a popular ‘junk silver’ position, but they are not eligible for a Precious Metals IRA.
IRS REQUIREMENTS (IRC §408(m)(3))
The Internal Revenue Code sets statutory minimum fineness thresholds for metals held in an IRA: gold .995, silver .999, platinum .9995, palladium .9995. Coins must be produced by a qualifying sovereign mint; bars must be produced by a refiner accredited by NYMEX, COMEX, NYSE-LIFFE, LME, LBMA, LPPM, TOCOM, ISO 9000, or a national government mint.
Collectibles are generally disallowed under IRC §408(m); the precious-metals exception in §408(m)(3) is narrow and fineness-driven. Specific U.S. coins, notably the American Gold Eagle and Silver Eagle are listed by statute.
Not applicable, this product is held outside of a retirement account. For IRA-eligible alternatives, we can route you to a compliant equivalent in the same metal class.
Direct personal storage: home safe, bank safe-deposit box, or private vaulting. Cedar Gold can recommend private vault providers if you are holding size outside of an IRA.
Held in a taxable account, physical precious metals are classified as collectibles under IRC §408(m). Long-term capital gains (holdings over 12 months) are taxed at a maximum federal rate of 28%, not the standard 15% / 20% long-term capital gains rate. Short-term gains (under 12 months) are taxed as ordinary income. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
Not applicable, this product is not IRA-eligible. If you want IRA exposure to this metal class, we can route you to compliant alternatives at the same weight and purity tier.
Note: Cedar Gold Group is not a tax, legal, or financial advisor. IRA eligibility information is based on IRC §408(m)(3) as interpreted at the time of publication. Consult your tax professional and IRA custodian for guidance on your specific account.
