How Much Are Old Half Dollars Worth?

Old half dollars often hold more than just their face value, with their worth varying significantly. This guide will help you identify your half dollar and understand what makes some coins more valuable than others.

Identifying Your Half Dollar

Identifying a half dollar’s series, date, and mint marks is the first step in determining its value. Each U.S. half dollar series has unique designs, making identification straightforward and helping narrow down its characteristics.

The Seated Liberty Half Dollar, produced from 1839 to 1891, displays a seated figure of Liberty on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse. The date is on the obverse below Liberty, while the mint mark, if present, is typically found below the eagle on the reverse.

The Barber Half Dollar, minted from 1892 to 1915, features a Liberty head with a cap on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse. For these coins, the date appears on the obverse, and the mint mark is below the eagle on the reverse.

The Walking Liberty Half Dollar, issued from 1916 to 1947, showcases a full-figure Liberty walking towards the sunrise on the obverse, with a majestic eagle on the reverse. The date is easily visible on the obverse, and the mint mark, if any, is usually on the reverse, either below the eagle or near the rim.

The Franklin Half Dollar, minted from 1948 to 1963, prominently features a portrait of Benjamin Franklin on the obverse and the Liberty Bell on the reverse. On these coins, the date is on the obverse, and the mint mark is found above the Liberty Bell on the reverse.

Finally, the Kennedy Half Dollar began production in 1964, depicting John F. Kennedy on the obverse and the presidential seal on the reverse. The date is on the obverse, and the mint mark is below Kennedy’s neck on the obverse. Pinpointing the series, year, and mint marks provides fundamental information for assessing a coin’s worth.

Factors Affecting Value

Once identified, several factors influence a half dollar’s worth: its physical condition, rarity, and precious metal content. Understanding these characteristics is essential for accurate assessment.

Condition

A coin’s condition, or grade, is a primary determinant of its value. Grading systems use terms like Good, Fine, Very Fine, Extremely Fine, About Uncirculated, and Uncirculated to describe wear. Wear is the loss of design details from circulation; scratches, dings, and luster also impact the grade. Coins with minimal wear and strong luster command higher value. For excellent condition coins, professional grading provides an objective assessment.

Rarity

Rarity plays a significant role; coins with lower mintage or fewer surviving examples are typically more valuable. “Key dates” are dates and mint mark combinations produced in smaller quantities, making them harder to find. For example, some Walking Liberty Half Dollars from the 1920s and 1930s, especially from Denver (D) or San Francisco (S), are scarce due to low production. Error coins, like a 1955 Franklin Half Dollar with a “Bugs Bunny” die crack, also add value due to their uniqueness.

Precious Metal Content

Precious metal content provides a baseline for a half dollar’s worth, especially for common or lower-grade examples. Half dollars minted before 1965 (Seated Liberty, Barber, Walking Liberty, Franklin series) contain 90% silver. Kennedy Half Dollars minted between 1965 and 1970 contain 40% silver. After 1970, regular issue Kennedy Half Dollars are copper-nickel clad and generally hold only face value, unless they are special collector editions. The “melt value” of a silver coin, determined by its weight and current silver price, often represents the minimum value for older issues.

Protecting Value and Next Steps

Proper handling and storage preserve a half dollar’s condition and value. Mishandling diminishes a coin’s appeal and worth, especially for higher-grade specimens. Always hold coins by their edges to avoid transferring oils and dirt.

Cleaning and Storage

Never clean coins; this causes irreversible damage. Cleaning removes original patina and can leave microscopic scratches, significantly decreasing numismatic value. Store coins in appropriate, inert materials like non-PVC flips, slabs, or albums. These protect the coin from environmental damage and abrasions.

Professional Appraisal

For precise valuation, especially for rare or high-grade coins, seek a professional appraisal. Reputable coin dealers or numismatic associations can provide an initial assessment. Professional grading services, such as PCGS or NGC, offer unbiased third-party evaluations and encapsulate coins in tamper-evident holders. An appraisal involves examining authenticity, condition, and market demand; formal written appraisals may incur a fee.

Selling Your Half Dollar

When selling your half dollar, various avenues are available based on its estimated value. Local coin dealers offer convenience and immediate payment, suitable for common or moderately valuable coins. For higher-value or rare pieces, coin shows and specialized numismatic auctions provide access to a broader market. Online marketplaces offer wide exposure but may involve selling fees, shipping costs, and require attention to authenticity and secure transactions.