Which US half-dollar coin should be used for Zecher Machatzis Hashekel?

Question

It is customary on Taanis Esther to give a coin (or three coins each) valued at half the local currency's standard unit to tzedakah in commemoration of the mitzvah of Machatzis Hashekel (Rema 694:1).

In America, there are a number of different half-dollars. Most common in circulation are silver half-dollars and copper-clad nickel half-dollars. Ideally, should one give the silver half-dollar?

Gershon Gold · Accepted Answer · 2013-02-14T18:55:38.847

4

The Rama says "the coin that is established in that place, in that time" המטבע הקבוע באותו מקום ובאותו זמן . The current half dollar which is not silver would suffice.

Kaf HaChaim 694:20 indicates that it is preferable to use real silver.

edited Feb 14 '13 at 18:55

answered Feb 14 '13 at 18:23

Gershon Gold

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Which is more established? They're all legal tender for all debts public and private. – Double AA Feb 14 '13 at 18:33
@Double AA: I would bet that most people use the copper-clad nickel half-dollar as a half dollar, as the silver ones by far exceeds its value. – Gershon Gold Feb 14 '13 at 18:35
@GershonGold fine that it would suffice - no question there - but would the silver one be a hiddur? – yoel Feb 14 '13 at 18:48
http://www.dailyhalacha.com/displayRead.asp?readID=1392&txtSearch=halacha – termsofservice Jan 19 '14 at 02:13

Which US half-dollar coin should be used for Zecher Machatzis Hashekel?

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