How Much Is a Half Dollar Worth?

Half dollars are a unique segment of United States coinage, often worth more than their fifty-cent face value. A half dollar’s true worth depends on its composition, historical context, and physical condition. While not all half dollars have significant numismatic value, many possess intrinsic or collector-driven worth.

Factors Influencing Half Dollar Value

A half dollar’s intrinsic value is influenced by its metal composition, especially silver content. Half dollars minted before 1965, like the Franklin and Walking Liberty series, contain 90% silver. Coins issued between 1965 and 1970, including specific Kennedy half dollars, were 40% silver. Half dollars produced after 1970 are generally clad, composed of a copper core bonded between copper-nickel alloy layers. These typically hold only face value unless they are a special issue. Silver’s market price directly impacts the melt value of older, silver-content coins, making them worth more than fifty cents based on metal alone.

Rarity and scarcity significantly influence a half dollar’s numismatic value, driven by mintage figures and mint marks. A coin’s mint mark (e.g., “D” for Denver, “S” for San Francisco, “P” for Philadelphia) indicates its production location. Low production numbers for certain dates or mint mark combinations make those coins scarcer and more desirable. For example, some Kennedy half dollar issues are rare due to limited mintage for circulation or special collector sets.

A coin’s physical condition and grade are key to its collector value. Coins with minimal wear, sharp details, and original luster command higher prices than worn or damaged examples. Numismatists use a standardized grading scale, from “Good” (G) for heavily worn coins with visible design elements, to “Uncirculated” (UNC) for coins showing no wear and retaining original mint state. Surface damage like scratches, dents, or cleaning diminishes a coin’s appeal and value.

Manufacturing errors and varieties also contribute to a half dollar’s worth. These anomalies occur during minting, such as double dies (duplicated design) or off-center strikes. Such imperfections make coins unique and sought after by error coinage collectors. Proof coins, specially struck for collectors with polished dies to produce a mirror-like finish, often carry a premium over standard circulation coins due to their quality and limited mintage.

Identifying Your Specific Half Dollar

To determine a half dollar’s value, identify its key features. The date is prominently displayed on the obverse (front), usually near the portrait. The mint mark, if present, is a small letter on either the obverse or reverse (back), depending on the series and year. For Kennedy half dollars, the mint mark is below President Kennedy’s neck on the obverse.

To distinguish between silver and clad half dollars, examine the coin’s edge. Silver half dollars (90% or 40% silver) show a solid silver color along their edge, without a copper stripe. Clad half dollars, made of copper-nickel, reveal a distinct copper band through the middle of their edge.

Assess your coin’s condition under good lighting, noting the level of wear. Look for clear dates and mint marks, and check if intricate design details, like hair or feathers, are well-defined. Avoid cleaning the coin, as this causes irreversible damage and reduces its numismatic value.

Identify your half dollar’s design series, as different series have varying historical significance and collector demand. Major series include the Walking Liberty (1916-1947), Franklin (1948-1963), and Kennedy (1964-present). Recognizing these designs helps categorize your coin and narrow its potential value.

Value Across Half Dollar Series

Half dollar values vary widely across historical series, reflecting age, mintage, and metal composition. Early half dollars, such as Flowing Hair (1794-1795), Draped Bust (1796-1807), and Capped Bust (1807-1839), are rare and highly sought after. Due to their age and limited survival, these coins can be worth thousands, with pristine examples fetching more. Their historical significance and scarcity drive their premium value.

The Seated Liberty (1839-1891) and Barber (1892-1915) half dollar series are later 19th and early 20th-century issues. These 90% silver coins can command significant values, especially for rare dates, low-mintage issues, or higher uncirculated grades. Even common dates in well-preserved condition can be worth hundreds, while scarcer varieties or proof examples can reach thousands.

The Walking Liberty half dollar series (1916-1947) is celebrated for its iconic design and is a collector favorite. All coins in this series contain 90% silver, making them worth at least their silver melt value. Key dates and mint marks, especially those with lower mintages or in higher grades, can be worth hundreds or thousands. Uncirculated examples are desirable due to their aesthetic appeal and historical significance.

The Franklin half dollar series (1948-1963) also consists entirely of 90% silver coins. While generally more common than earlier series, certain dates and mint marks in high grades can be worth a substantial premium over their melt value, typically ranging from tens to hundreds of dollars. Errors or varieties, though less common, can also increase a coin’s worth for specialized collectors.

The Kennedy half dollar series (1964-present) has a complex valuation. The 1964 issue is 90% silver, worth more than face value, often trading for tens of dollars based on silver content. Coins minted from 1965 to 1970 contain 40% silver, holding a melt value above fifty cents, typically ranging from a few dollars to under twenty dollars depending on silver prices. Kennedy half dollars issued from 1971 onward are clad and generally worth only their face value, unless they are a special proof issue, a rare error, or the bicentennial 1976 issue.

Obtaining a Professional Valuation

After your initial assessment, seek a professional valuation for any half dollar suspected of significant numismatic value. This is especially true for coins appearing rare, in exceptional condition, or exhibiting potential errors or varieties. A professional appraisal provides an accurate assessment of your coin’s authenticity and market value.

Reputable sources for professional appraisals include established coin dealers who are members of national numismatic associations, professional numismatist organizations, or major coin shows. These experts have the knowledge, experience, and tools to accurately identify, grade, and value your coin. While local coin shops offer preliminary opinions, a certified appraiser or experienced dealer provides a more definitive evaluation.

When seeking a professional valuation, expect the appraiser to meticulously examine your coin using specialized equipment to assess its grade, identify varieties or errors, and confirm authenticity. Appraisers consider all factors influencing value, including rarity, condition, and current market demand. Most appraisers charge a fee for their services, ranging from a flat rate per coin to a percentage of the appraised value (typically 1% to 5% for higher-value items). Inquire about their fee structure beforehand.