Are There Any Half Dollars Worth Money?

Most circulating half dollars hold only their fifty-cent value, but some older or unique specimens can be quite valuable to collectors. Determining the true worth of a half dollar requires a careful examination of its characteristics, as specific details can significantly elevate its numismatic appeal.

Understanding What Makes Half Dollars Valuable

Several factors contribute to a half dollar’s value beyond its basic monetary denomination. The metal content is often a primary consideration; half dollars minted before 1965 typically contain 90% silver, while those produced between 1965 and 1970 have a 40% silver composition. These silver-bearing coins possess an intrinsic melt value that fluctuates with the market price of silver, establishing a baseline worth higher than face value. Coins issued from 1971 onward generally contain no silver, consisting instead of a copper-nickel alloy, with some exceptions for special collector issues.

Rarity and mintage figures also play a significant role in determining a coin’s desirability. Lower mintage numbers or survival rates make specific dates or mint marks scarcer and more valuable. The physical condition, or grade, of a half dollar is another critical determinant of its worth. Professional grading services assess a coin’s wear, preservation of design details, and overall appearance, with higher grades commanding substantially higher prices.

Mint marks (e.g., “D” for Denver, “S” for San Francisco, “P” for Philadelphia) indicate where a coin was produced, influencing its rarity. Some mint marks are scarcer for specific years or series. Furthermore, errors and varieties, which are anomalies that occurred during the minting process, can dramatically increase a coin’s value due to their uniqueness and scarcity. These can include doubled dies, off-center strikes, or repunched mint marks.

Key Half Dollar Series and Their Value Indicators

The history of U.S. half dollars features several distinct series, each with specific issues that are particularly sought after. Capped Bust Half Dollars, minted from 1807 to 1839, are inherently rare due to their age and lower mintage numbers. Certain varieties within this early series, such as those exhibiting overdates, can be especially valuable. Seated Liberty Half Dollars (1839-1891) also include desirable dates and mint marks, such as the 1853 with arrows and rays, or Carson City Mint (CC) issues like the 1870-CC and 1871-CC.

Barber Half Dollars (1892-1915) feature key dates such as the 1892-O, 1892-S, and 1904-S. Walking Liberty Half Dollars (1916-1947) have several valuable dates, including the 1916-S, 1921, 1921-D, 1921-S, and the 1938-D. Many collectors actively seek these specific issues due to their scarcity in higher grades.

Franklin Half Dollars (1948-1963) are notable for their 90% silver content. The 1950-D is a key date, and varieties like the “Bugs Bunny” type (die breaks creating the appearance of buck teeth on Franklin’s portrait) are also highly collectible.

Kennedy Half Dollars, first issued in 1964, changed metal content. The 1964 issues are 90% silver, while those from 1965 to 1970 contain 40% silver. Beyond their silver content, specific Kennedy Half Dollar errors and varieties can fetch significant premiums. Examples include the 1974-D Doubled Die Obverse (doubling of the lettering) and the 1982 “No FG” variety (missing designer’s initials due to die polishing). The 1976 Bicentennial half dollar was also struck in a 40% silver-clad version for collectors, making those versions more valuable than the standard copper-nickel clad issues.

Practical Steps for Valuing Your Half Dollar

Begin by examining the coin’s date and mint mark. The mint mark, a small letter indicating origin, is typically on the reverse of older half dollars (often below the eagle) or on the obverse (front) above the date for modern issues. For example, on 1964 Kennedy half dollars, the mint mark is on the reverse below the eagle, while from 1968 onward, it is usually on the obverse above the date. Philadelphia-minted coins often lack a mint mark, especially before 1980.

Next, assess the coin’s condition by observing wear. Look for retention of fine details like hair strands, facial features, and design elements. A coin with sharp, well-defined details generally indicates higher preservation and greater potential value, while heavy wear, significant scratches, dents, or cleaning marks will diminish its worth. Avoid cleaning the coin, as this can severely damage its surface and reduce its numismatic value.

Use a magnifying glass (6x to 10x magnification) to search for errors and varieties. Look for doubled letters or numbers (“doubled die” error). Examine the coin for specific die cracks, which are raised lines on the coin’s surface, or for repunched mint marks, where the mint mark appears to have been struck multiple times. For Kennedy half dollars, specifically check for the “No FG” variety by looking for the absence of the designer’s initials “FG” near the eagle’s tail feathers on the reverse.

If your half dollar might be a valuable date, mint mark, or error, consider seeking further verification. Consult reputable online coin resources and price guides. For a more definitive assessment, particularly for potentially high-value coins, consider consulting a local coin dealer who can provide expert opinion and guidance on the coin’s specific value without requiring you to submit it for professional grading.