40% Silver Bags on Sale - As the price of silver began to increase in the 1960s, the United States government began seeking a more cost-effective alternative to the minting of 90% silver content coins. In honor of the assassinated President Kennedy, the U.S. Mint More began minting half-dollars depicting Kennedy that were 40% silver instead of 90%.

      The Kennedy half-dollars consisted of an inner layer containing 79% copper and 21% silver. This inner layer was clad by an outer layer of 20% copper and 80% silver. Thus, rather than containing 90% silver, the Kennedy halves contained a total of 40% silver and 60% copper. The 40% silver Kennedy half-dollars were the last regularly-circulated coins from the U.S. Mint that still contained any silver.

      Today, $1,000 and $500 face value bags of 40% silver Kennedy halves minted between 1965 and 1969 are convenient and easy ways to own silver. Not only are 40% silver coins legal tender that will never lose their face value, but they are also silver coins that do not have the high premiums associated with one-ounce silver bullion coins, such as the Silver American Eagle coins.

      If you are looking to purchase silver in the most cost-efficient way, the 40% silver clad coins from APMEX are a great option. APMEX makes it easy to buy silver by offering competitive silver prices on all silver products.