How Much Is a Half Dollar Worth?

The half-dollar coin holds a unique place in United States currency, representing a rich history as a circulating denomination. While its stated face value is 50 cents, many half-dollar coins possess a market value significantly exceeding this amount for collectors. The actual worth of any given half-dollar coin depends on several specific factors, which determine its appeal and rarity in the numismatic market. This article explores those factors and provides insights into how to assess the value of these coins.

Understanding Half-Dollar Coin Values

A half-dollar coin has a “face value” of 50 cents, its legal tender value, but its “numismatic value” can be considerably higher. Numismatic value refers to the price collectors are willing to pay, driven by attributes beyond face value or intrinsic metal content. For coins containing precious metals like silver, their intrinsic metal content, or melt value, is tied to the metal’s market price. Most half-dollars found in general circulation today are modern issues worth only their 50-cent face value. However, older or specialized issues often hold greater value.

Factors Influencing Half-Dollar Coin Value

A coin’s condition, or grade, impacts its value. Coin grading assesses a coin’s preservation, with higher grades correlating to higher values. Professional grading systems, such as the Sheldon scale, assign a numerical value. Terms like “uncirculated,” “fine,” or “good” describe the extent of wear, with uncirculated coins showing no signs of use.

The rarity of a half-dollar also plays a role in its valuation. Rarity is determined by factors such as original mintage figures, the number of coins known to exist, and specific mint marks indicating production location. Certain “key dates” or specific varieties, including error coins or special issues with low production numbers, are rarer and more valuable.

Metal content is another determinant of a half-dollar’s worth. Many older half-dollars were minted with a high percentage of silver. Half-dollars produced before 1965 contain 90% silver, and their value is often linked to the current silver market price. Coins minted between 1965 and 1970 contain 40% silver, while those from 1971 onward are generally clad with no silver, except for certain collector editions.

Common Half-Dollar Series and Their Values

The Kennedy Half Dollar series was first minted in 1964. The 1964 issues are composed of 90% silver and are sought after by collectors. Half dollars minted from 1965 to 1970 contain 40% silver. Most Kennedy half dollars produced after 1970 are copper-nickel clad and worth their face value, though special collector’s editions exist, such as the 40% silver Bicentennial half dollars from 1975 and 1976.

Franklin Half Dollars, minted from 1948 to 1963, feature Benjamin Franklin and the Liberty Bell. These coins are 90% silver, making them popular among collectors. Their value exceeds face value, with specific dates and conditions fetching higher prices.

The Walking Liberty Half Dollar, produced from 1916 to 1947, is composed of 90% silver and is regarded for its artistic design. These coins command higher prices than Franklin half dollars due to their age and design. Older series, such as the Barber Half Dollars (1892-1915) and Seated Liberty Half Dollars (1839-1891), are also 90% silver and are worth more than face value.

Obtaining a Professional Valuation

If you suspect you possess a valuable half-dollar coin, avoid cleaning it, as this can reduce its collector value. Consulting a reputable coin dealer or a professional coin grading service is recommended for an accurate appraisal. Organizations like the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) and Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) offer unbiased evaluations.

While online resources and price guides can provide an initial estimate, a professional appraisal offers a definitive assessment. Appraisers examine factors like age, condition, rarity, historical significance, and market demand.