How Much Are Your Half Dollars Worth?

Half dollars, once common in circulation, often hold value far exceeding their 50-cent face value. While some are worth their face value, many possess intrinsic or collectible value. Understanding the factors that determine a half dollar’s worth helps determine if a coin is valuable. This guide explores attributes contributing to a half dollar’s market price, from metal composition to unique collector characteristics.

Silver Content and Melt Value

Many older half dollars derive value from their precious metal content. Before 1965, all circulating half dollars, including the Walking Liberty, Franklin, and 1964 Kennedy half dollars, were 90% silver and 10% copper, containing approximately 0.3617 troy ounces of silver. From 1965 to 1970, Kennedy half dollars were struck with a reduced 40% silver content. They contained about 0.1479 troy ounces of silver.

After 1970, circulating half dollars ceased to contain silver, becoming copper-nickel clad. The “melt value” of a silver half dollar is determined by multiplying its silver content by the current spot price of silver. This value fluctuates daily with the silver market. While melt value represents the metal’s base worth, collectible value often exceeds this, especially for rarer specimens.

Factors Influencing Numismatic Value

Beyond silver content, numismatic factors also increase a half dollar’s value. The date and mint mark are identifiers of production time and location. Mint marks reveal the minting facility (e.g., “D” for Denver, “S” for San Francisco, or no mark/a “P” for Philadelphia). Certain date and mint mark combinations can indicate rarity due to low production or survival rates.

A coin’s condition, or “grade,” is a key determinant of its value. Grading assesses wear, surface preservation, luster, and eye appeal. Common terms range from “Good” (G) for worn coins with visible details, to “Fine” (F) for moderate wear with clear features, and “Uncirculated” (Unc or MS) for coins retaining original mint luster with no wear. Grade drastically impacts market price, with uncirculated specimens often selling for many times more than circulated ones.

Rarity stems from low mintage numbers (fewer produced) or low survival rates (few remaining in good condition), making coins with low production or those lost/damaged more sought after. “Errors and varieties” can also significantly increase a half dollar’s worth. Errors result from minting mistakes, such as a “doubled die” (design appears doubled) or an “off-center strike”. Varieties are intentional but unofficial die changes, like minor design variations. These imperfections make a coin highly desirable.

Identifying and Researching Your Half Dollars

Begin by carefully inspecting your half dollars. Examine the coin’s date and mint marks, typically small letters on the obverse (front) or reverse (back). Observe its overall condition, noting wear on raised elements, scratches, and luster retention. A 10x loupe can assist in seeing finer details.

Look for features indicating an error or variety. Scrutinize lettering, dates, and design elements for signs of doubling, missing portions, or misalignments. A “doubled die” might show doubled text or images. Compare your coin to images of known errors or varieties for its specific date and series.

Once characteristics are identified, use reputable resources for further research. Online coin catalogs and price guides, such as those from the American Numismatic Association (ANA), PCGS CoinFacts, NGC, and NumisMedia, offer databases of coin types, mintage figures, and estimated values by grade. Numismatic websites like CoinArchives and uCoin also provide auction results and detailed information, helping you understand market performance. These resources allow cross-referencing your coin’s date, mint mark, and condition to determine its potential worth.

Options for Selling and Appraisal

If your half dollars hold significant value, consider a professional appraisal. A numismatic appraiser can provide an accurate evaluation of your coin’s authenticity, grade, and market value. This is beneficial for high-value coins or insurance. Reputable appraisers are often members of professional numismatic organizations like the American Numismatic Association (ANA), which maintains directories of certified dealers and appraisers. Appraisal fees vary, sometimes based on an hourly rate or a percentage of appraised value; some dealers offer free preliminary assessments.

After appraisal or research, several selling avenues are available. Local coin dealers offer convenience and immediate payment, though offers may reflect their profit margin. Online auction sites like eBay provide access to a global market, potentially yielding higher prices but involving fees and commissions. Specialized numismatic marketplaces, such as Coinfully, focus exclusively on coins, offering competitive prices and streamlined processes.

Coin shows and conventions connect you with multiple dealers and collectors, allowing several offers. When selling, obtain multiple valuations to ensure a fair price. Understanding each method’s pros and cons, including fees, reach, and convenience, helps choose the best approach for realizing your half dollar’s value.