What Years of Half Dollars Are Worth Money?
Find out which half dollars are worth more than face value. This guide reveals how silver content, rarity, and condition impact their true worth.
Half dollar coins, though common, can hold value far exceeding their face value. These pieces of American history, from early mintages to recent issues, possess characteristics that make them highly sought after by collectors. Understanding what makes some half dollars valuable can uncover hidden worth in a coin collection.
Understanding What Makes Half Dollars Valuable
Several factors determine a half dollar’s value. Metallic composition, especially silver content, is a key determinant. Half dollars minted before 1965 contain 90% silver, while those from 1965 to 1970 have 40% silver. Coins from 1971 onward are typically copper-nickel clad, lacking precious metal value, except for special collector editions.
Rarity is another significant factor, often tied to mintage figures or survival rates. Low production numbers for a specific year or mint increase scarcity. Collector demand also drives market prices, as interest in particular designs or historical periods makes certain coins more desirable.
Mint marks, which indicate where a coin was produced, can influence value. Manufacturing errors or intentional die variations, known as varieties, also make a coin unique. The physical condition of a coin is a major factor, with well-preserved examples commanding higher prices. These elements collectively determine a coin’s worth.
Half Dollar Series and Their Valuable Years
Specific years and varieties within U.S. half dollar series are particularly valuable. The Seated Liberty half dollars (1839-1891) include valuable issues like the 1853-O without arrows, 1870-CC, 1878-S, 1839 “No Drapery” variety, and 1866-S without motto.
Barber half dollars (1892-1915) also have key dates. Their age and scarcity, especially in higher grades, contribute to their value. Collectors often seek earlier dates and those from specific mints like San Francisco or New Orleans.
Walking Liberty half dollars (1916-1947) are known for their design and silver content. Key dates include the 1921-S, 1921-D, 1919-S, and 1938-D. Issues minted before 1934 are generally scarce.
Franklin half dollars (1948-1963) are all 90% silver, making them valuable for their metal content. Beyond silver value, certain Franklin half dollars command higher prices. The 1955 issue has lower mintage, and the “Bugs Bunny” variety, a die crack creating protruding teeth, is a known error. Early proof issues from 1950 to 1954 and coins with “Full Bell Lines” also hold value.
Kennedy half dollars, first minted in 1964, are valuable due to varying silver content and specific errors. The 1964 issue contains 90% silver. Coins from 1965 to 1970 contain 40% silver. Regular issue Kennedy half dollars from 1971 onward are typically copper-nickel clad, except for special collector editions like the 1976 Bicentennial 40% silver “S” mint mark issues or proof sets. Errors like the 1964-D Doubled Die Obverse, 1974-D Doubled Die Obverse, or “No FG” varieties can increase their value.
Assessing Coin Condition
A coin’s physical condition is crucial in determining its market value. Coin grading is the process of evaluating a coin’s state of preservation, which directly impacts its worth. Factors such as wear from circulation, scratches, nicks, and environmental damage like toning, all influence the assigned grade.
Simplified grading terms describe a coin’s condition. A “Good” coin shows heavy wear, with details worn smooth but the date and major design elements visible. “Fine” indicates significant wear with more details remaining. “Extremely Fine” coins show light wear on high points, retaining much original detail. “Uncirculated” coins show no wear from circulation.
Cleaning a coin can severely diminish its value. Attempting to clean a coin, even with gentle methods, can remove its natural patina and cause microscopic scratches. Such actions often result in a coin being deemed “improperly cleaned,” reducing its appeal and market price. For potentially valuable coins, professional grading by reputable services is recommended. These services provide an objective assessment of a coin’s condition, authenticate its originality, and encapsulate it to protect its state.
Identifying Key Features and Mint Marks
Examining a half dollar for its key features, especially mint marks, helps identify its potential value. Mint marks are small letters indicating where a coin was produced, typically located in specific areas depending on the coin series and year.
Mint mark locations vary by series:
Seated Liberty and Barber half dollars: Usually on the reverse, often below the wreath or eagle.
Walking Liberty half dollars: 1916 and some 1917 issues have the mark on the obverse, beneath “Trust”; later issues place it on the reverse, near the bottom left tail.
Franklin half dollars: Above the Liberty Bell on the reverse.
1964 Kennedy half dollars: Below the eagle’s claws on the reverse.
Most other Kennedy years: On the obverse above the date.
Common mint marks include:
P for Philadelphia (often no mark)
D for Denver
S for San Francisco
O for New Orleans
CC for Carson City
Using a magnifying glass or a jeweler’s loupe, typically with 5x to 10x magnification, is helpful for clearly seeing these small details, including the mint mark and any subtle variations in the coin’s design. This magnification can also help in recognizing specific errors or varieties, such as doubled dies or missing elements, which might not be visible to the naked eye. After identifying these features, cross-referencing the information with online numismatic resources, specialized coin guides, or reputable numismatic books can help determine if the coin is a known valuable variety.