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I was reading a coin magazine at a book store and saw an article about the possible change in metal composition of U.S. coinage.

They were talking about the possible change in metal composition of the half dollar.

If they change the composition of the half dollar to another metal, will this make sorting for silver harder?

If the composition changes, Will we start seeing people hoarding the non-silver clad halves?

I have no idea why they would change half-dollar composition. First, it is one of the least-used coins in circulation. I'd bet more Presidential dollars are used than halves. Second, it's current metal value according to coinflation.com is only 25% of it's face value, while nickels are nearly six times that and even the lowly zinc penny is nearly three times that percentage.

A change in the composition of the half would be ridiculous. What would the Mint's press release say? "Today we are changing the composition of our fifty-cent piece (yes, we still make those), so in the even that you ever stop by a bank while some sorter is dumping his search, make sure to ask him if you can see one of the new ones!"

Yeah I was surprised too. However, they specifically showed a picture of a 2010 half dollar and talked about the possible change in metal composition for other U.S. coins besides the penny and the nickel.

I'll try to get the reference for the article.

It's not even like the new ones are really in circulation, are they? I guess technically they could be in circulation, but they don't introduce new half dollars directly into the banking system any more, i thought they were only available directly from the US Mint via Mint wrapped rolls and annual sets....at least I believe that's the case. Can someone confirm?

Pennysaved wrote:Yeah I was surprised too. However, they specifically showed a picture of a 2010 half dollar and talked about the possible change in metal composition for other U.S. coins besides the penny and the nickel.

There you touch one (of several) reason why I feel only contempt for news papers in general, the misapplied "stock photo". Reporters know /how/ to write. They generally know, and want to know, NOTHING of the subject they are writing about.

(Aside from sports or fashion. Wouldn't it be funny if the news papers had the sport writers and fashion writers trade jobs for a month?)

This wasnt a newspaper; it is a pretty reputable coin magazine. I'll get you guys the reference.

The article specifically talked about dimes and halves and how the U.S Treasury was looking at changing the composition of those.

The Article is from the April 2011 Coin World Magazine

"Peterson takes charge at United States Mint" by Paul Gilkes

The article talkes about how the U.S. Mint has been congressionally authorized to study alternative metal options for all "SIX" circulation-quality U.S. coins including the Kennedy half dollar.

Was just wondering if that does happen, will that kill sorting for halves for silver??

they are looking at changing the composition of all the clad coins, not just halves. there is a lot of money to be saved.

Yeah the article said all 6 circulating denominations.

Just wondering if that happens, what is everyone's opinion on finding silver with half sorting.