What 50 Cent Pieces Are Worth Money?

Fifty-cent pieces, commonly known as half dollars, can hold significant collector worth beyond their face value. While most modern half dollars are worth 50 cents, certain specific coins are highly sought after by numismatists. This guide explores factors contributing to a half dollar’s value and highlights types and dates that could be valuable.

Key Factors Determining Value

A coin’s monetary worth extends beyond its face value, influenced by several key elements. Condition, or grade, is a primary determinant, as coins with less wear generally command higher prices. Terms like “uncirculated,” “very fine,” and “good” describe the coin’s state, with uncirculated coins showing no wear.

Rarity also plays a significant role; fewer surviving examples of a particular coin type, date, or mint mark typically lead to higher demand and price. Mint marks, small letters indicating where a coin was produced, can dramatically affect value when combined with specific dates.

The intrinsic metal content of a coin, particularly silver, can also establish a base value above its face denomination. Many older 50-cent pieces contain silver, which inherently makes them more valuable due to the fluctuating price of precious metals. The silver composition of U.S. coinage changed over time, impacting the inherent worth of different half dollars.

Valuable 50-Cent Piece Types and Dates

Certain half dollar series and specific dates within them are particularly valuable to collectors.

Walking Liberty Half Dollars (1916-1947)

These coins feature Lady Liberty striding towards the sun and are generally valuable, especially those in good condition. Key dates and mint marks for this series, such as the 1916-S, 1921, 1921-D, 1921-S, and 1938-D, can fetch significant premiums due to their lower mintages.

Franklin Half Dollars (1948-1963)

These coins depict Benjamin Franklin on the obverse and the Liberty Bell on the reverse. All coins in this series contain 90% silver, giving them an intrinsic value that fluctuates with silver prices. Specific dates like the 1949-D, 1950-D, 1953-S, and early proof issues from 1950-1954 are sought after. The 1961-P Doubled Die Reverse proof is also a scarce variety with notable value.

Kennedy Half Dollars (1964-Present)

First minted in 1964 to honor President John F. Kennedy, the 1964 half dollars are 90% silver. Half dollars minted between 1965 and 1970 contain a reduced 40% silver content, also known as “silver clad,” which still gives them value above face value. After 1970, most Kennedy half dollars are copper-nickel clad and typically worth face value, unless they are special collector issues. The 1976 Bicentennial 40% silver versions (with an “S” mint mark) and silver proof issues from 1992 onwards can carry a premium.

Older Silver Half Dollars

Seated Liberty and Barber Half Dollars (pre-1916) are almost always valuable. These coins are considerably rarer due to their age, lower mintages, and high silver content. Their historical significance and scarcity make them valuable even in lower grades.

Identifying Minting Errors and Varieties

Beyond age and composition, specific anomalies from the minting process can significantly increase a coin’s value. Minting errors are mistakes that occur during production, while varieties are intentional but unique changes to a coin die. These imperfections are often rare and can transform a common coin into a highly collectible item.

A “doubled die” error occurs when the coin die strikes the blank twice, resulting in a blurred or duplicated appearance of design elements, such as letters or numbers. This doubling can appear on the obverse (DDO) or reverse (DDR) side of the coin. “Off-center strikes” are coins where the design is not centered on the planchet.

Other notable errors include missing or repunched mint marks, where the mint mark is either absent or appears to have been struck multiple times in slightly different positions. Die breaks and cuds are imperfections caused by damage to the coin die itself. A cud is a specific type of die break that involves the rim and a portion of the adjacent design, often appearing as a raised blob of metal. The rarity and visual prominence of these errors dictate their added value.

Preserving and Appraising Your Coins

Once a potentially valuable coin is identified, proper handling and preservation are paramount to maintaining its condition and value. Always hold coins by their edges to avoid transferring oils and fingerprints, which can damage the surface. Cleaning coins is generally not recommended, as improper techniques or harsh chemicals can reduce their numismatic value.

For long-term protection, coins should be stored in proper, non-PVC holders, such as archival-quality capsules, flips, or albums, to prevent environmental damage and chemical reactions. A cool, dry location with stable conditions is ideal for storage; silica gel packets can help manage moisture.

For potentially high-value coins, seeking professional appraisal is a prudent next step. Reputable local coin dealers can offer an initial assessment and guidance. For definitive authentication, grading, and valuation, submitting coins to professional grading services like the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) is recommended. These independent third-party services authenticate coins, assign a standardized grade, and encapsulate them in secure holders, providing confidence in their authenticity and market value.