These coins, minted from 1965 to 1970, contain a reduced silver content compared to their pre-1965 counterparts. They consist of an outer layer of 80% silver and 20% copper bonded to an inner core of 20.9% silver and 79.1% copper. This “sandwich” construction was implemented to conserve silver reserves during a period of rising silver prices. A typical example displays the portrait of John F. Kennedy on the obverse and the Presidential Seal on the reverse.
Their historical significance stems from their role as a transitional currency. The change in composition reflects a key moment in numismatic history, illustrating the effects of fluctuating commodity prices on coinage. Collectors value them for their silver content and place in American monetary history. Furthermore, their relative affordability compared to 90% silver versions makes them accessible to a broader range of collectors and investors.
