What Half Dollars Are Worth Money?

Half dollars have been a part of American coinage for over two centuries, with designs and compositions evolving. While many found in circulation hold only face value, certain issues are valuable to collectors and investors. Determining which half dollars are valuable requires examining characteristics that distinguish them from common varieties.

Identifying Valuable Half Dollars

A half dollar’s value often stems from its mintage date and series. The Walking Liberty Half Dollar series (1916-1947) includes several key dates sought by collectors. The Franklin Half Dollar series (1948-1963) and the Kennedy Half Dollar series (beginning 1964) also contain specific dates or variations that command premiums. Identifying these dates is a primary step in assessing a coin’s potential worth.

Mint marks, small letters indicating production location, also significantly determine value. “D” signifies Denver, “S” San Francisco, and Philadelphia coins typically have no mint mark or a “P” on recent issues. The presence or absence of a mint mark, especially combined with a specific date, can drastically affect a coin’s rarity and market price. A coin from a lower mintage mint for a particular year will generally be more valuable.

The metallic composition of a half dollar is a primary driver of its intrinsic value, particularly for older coins. Half dollars minted in 1964 and earlier are 90% silver. Their melt value is tied to the fluctuating price of silver, making them inherently valuable beyond face value, even for common dates.

Following 1964, the Kennedy half dollar’s composition changed significantly. Coins minted between 1965 and 1970 contain 40% silver, a clad composition that still gives them silver content value, though lower than predecessors. Post-1970 circulating half dollars typically contain no silver, composed of a copper-nickel clad layer, holding only face value.

Beyond dates, mint marks, and silver content, specific minting errors and die varieties can dramatically increase a half dollar’s value. These unique anomalies occurred during production at the U.S. Mint. Examples include doubled dies, where design elements appear stretched or duplicated, or re-punched mint marks, showing an underlying, misaligned mark.

Off-center strikes, where the coin blank was not properly centered, can create valuable errors, especially if a significant design portion is missing. Other errors, such as planchet errors or missing elements due to a clogged die, are also sought by collectors. These characteristics transform an ordinary coin into a rare collectible, often fetching prices far exceeding face or metal value.

Understanding Coin Condition

A half dollar’s physical condition plays a substantial role in determining its market value. Even a desirable coin will diminish in value if it exhibits significant wear or damage. The preservation of original design details, such as sharpness of lines or clarity of lettering, directly impacts its appeal to collectors.

When assessing a coin’s condition, observe wear on the design’s highest points. Extensively circulated coins show flattened details. Surface damage, including scratches, nicks, dents, or rim dings, also detracts from value. Cleaning a coin, even gently, is highly discouraged as it removes natural patina and can leave microscopic scratches, significantly reducing its numismatic worth.

Original luster, the cartwheel effect visible when a coin is tilted, is important for uncirculated specimens. This mint shine indicates minimal handling or environmental exposure. Toning, a natural oxidation process, can enhance a coin’s aesthetic appeal and value if attractive and uniform, but uneven toning can be detrimental. Environmental damage, such as corrosion or pitting from improper storage, will severely impair a coin’s condition and value.

Coin grading uses a standardized system from “Good” (G) to “Mint State” (MS). A “Good” coin has main features visible with heavy wear, while a “Fine” (F) coin shows more detail but still considerable wear. “Very Fine” (VF) and “Extremely Fine” (XF or EF) coins retain much original detail with light to moderate wear.

“About Uncirculated” (AU) coins show only traces of wear, often from bag marks. “Uncirculated” (UNC or MS) coins show no signs of wear, retaining original mint luster. The Mint State category uses a numerical scale from MS-60 to MS-70, with MS-70 representing a perfect, flawless coin. For valuable half dollars, professional third-party grading services authenticate and assign a precise, impartial grade, recognized and trusted in the numismatic market.

Next Steps for Valuables

Once you identify a potentially valuable half dollar, several steps can confirm its worth and explore sale options. Visiting reputable local coin dealers is an excellent starting point for an initial assessment. Most dealers offer free verbal appraisals, providing insights into authenticity and market value, and may offer to purchase the coin.

Online resources and numismatic forums offer preliminary research and community advice. While helpful for gathering information, exercise caution and do not rely solely on unverified online opinions for definitive valuation. Attending coin shows provides another opportunity to receive multiple opinions from dealers and secure competitive offers.

For genuinely rare or high-grade half dollars, professional third-party grading is a crucial step. Services like the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) are industry leaders. The submission process involves selecting a service, completing a form, and securely packaging the coin. This process can take weeks to months, with fees ranging from approximately $30 to over $100 per coin, plus shipping and insurance.

When selling a valuable half dollar, various venues offer different benefits. Selling directly to a local coin dealer provides the quickest transaction, though the offer might be lower as the dealer accounts for profit. Consigning to a reputable auction house, especially for high-value items, can yield a higher return but involves waiting for the auction and paying a commission fee, typically 10% to 25% of the hammer price.

Online auction platforms, such as eBay, allow individuals to list coins directly, reaching a wide audience. This method offers a balance of control and reach but requires attention to photography, description accuracy, and secure shipping. Regardless of the selling venue, maintaining thorough documentation, including appraisal reports and grading certificates, is advisable. Proper handling, storage in non-PVC holders, and insured shipping are important to protect your valuable asset.