Some half-dollar coins are worth much more than their 50-cent face value, and their past is fascinating. If they’re rare or in great shape, these coins can be valuable to both experienced collectors and amateur fans. Half-dollar coins aren’t often found in everyday change, but some valuable types are still sought after because of their historical value, rarity, or unique features.
This article discusses the ten most valuable U.S. half-dollar coins, what makes them useful, and why they are so expensive. You should look closely to see whether you have an extensive collection of coins or just a few spare half-dollars.
The Ten Most Valuable Half-Dollar Coins
1. 1948 Franklin Half Dollar
This coin was the first in the Franklin half-dollar series from 1948 to 1963. It is admired for being straightforward and hard to find. The 1948 Franklin half-dollar is very valuable because there aren’t many. In perfect shape, one can fetch as much as $2,500.
2. 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar
This coin has both emotional and historical worth because it was made to honor President John F. Kennedy after his death. This 1964 Kennedy half-dollar is very sought after because it is 90% silver, which makes it valuable as both a collectible and a silver investment. Some of the best are collected and can sell for up to $2,000 each.
3. Barber Half Dollar from 1892
The Barber half-dollar, made from 1892 to 1915, is known for its standard Liberty design. Collectors are ready to pay up to $5,000 for high-quality copies of the first 1892 coins because they are very old and were only made in small numbers. This is the first coin in the Barber series, which makes it an important U.S. coin design.
4. 1955 Franklin Half Dollar
Another Franklin coin that has become popular with collectors is the 1955 Franklin half-dollar. This is because so few were made. Collectors are especially interested in almost perfect coins. Coins that are in great shape can fetch as much as $4,500.
5. 1916 Walking Liberty Half Dollar
From 1916 to 1947, the Walking Liberty half-dollar was made, and its beautiful form made it an icon. Many people wanted to buy the 1916 version, which was the first in the line. Coins that are very old, beautiful, and hard to find can sell for up to $10,000.
6. 1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar
This Kennedy half-dollar was one of the last to have 40% silver in it, making it more valuable as a collector. The 1970-D half-dollar was produced in smaller amounts; a perfect example can fetch up to $1,500.
7. 1938-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar
The 1938-D Walking Liberty half-dollar is valuable to fans because so few were made. This coin is popular because it has a beautiful pattern and was only made in small numbers. The best versions can fetch up to $8,000.
8. 1878-S Liberty Seated Half Dollar
The 1878-S Liberty Seated half-dollar is one of the older coins on this list. Its unique design shows Liberty sitting down, making it stand out. People who collect old coins look for this one because it is rare and old. It can be worth up to $15,000 if it’s in good shape.
9. 1967 Kennedy Half Dollar SMS
This 1967 Kennedy half-dollar has a high-quality, shiny finish. It was made as part of a Special Mint Set (SMS) and is not in circulation. Collectors are willing to pay up to $1,200 for well-preserved versions because they are hard to find and have unique features.
10. 1917-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar
People want this coin from the first Walking Liberty series. The mint mark on the 1917-S Walking Liberty half-dollar shows that it was made in San Francisco. These rare and beautiful coins, as well as high-grade examples, can fetch up to $12,000.
List of the Most Valuable Half-Dollar Coins
| Coin Name | Rarity | Estimated Value | Mint Year | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1948 Franklin Half Dollar | Rare | Up to $2,500 | 1948 | First Franklin half-dollar, low mintage |
| 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar | Rare | Up to $2,000 | 1964 | 90% silver, Kennedy tribute |
| 1892 Barber Half Dollar | Very Rare | Up to $5,000 | 1892 | First in the Barber series |
| 1955 Franklin Half Dollar | Scarce | Up to $4,500 | 1955 | Limited mintage |
| 1916 Walking Liberty | Very Rare | Up to $10,000 | 1916 | First Walking Liberty issue |
| 1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar | Scarce | Up to $1,500 | 1970 | Last with silver content |
| 1938-D Walking Liberty | Very Rare | Up to $8,000 | 1938 | Limited production |
| 1878-S Liberty Seated | Extremely Rare | Up to $15,000 | 1878 | Part of Liberty Seated series |
| 1967 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar | Rare | Up to $1,200 | 1967 | Special Mint Set (SMS) issue |
| 1917-S Walking Liberty | Very Rare | Up to $12,000 | 1917 | S mint mark, high demand |
Not only are these coins beautiful and well-designed, but they also hold historical and emotional value. They come from important times in American coinage history. For collectors, these half-dollars are symbols of American history. If kept in good condition, they can fetch high prices at sales and from private owners.
Tips on How to Find a Good Half-Dollar
If you want to know if your half-dollar is worth anything, follow these steps:
- Check the Mint Year: Coins from the early 1900s and earlier are more likely to be valuable as collectibles.
- Check the Mint Mark: Some coins, like the 1917-S Walking Liberty, are worth more because of where they were made. On the back of most coins, you can find mint marks.
- Check the Condition: Coins that are almost mint or are mint are worth more. To prove how much your coin is worth, you might want to get it graded by a professional service like PCGS or NGC.
- Unique Features of the Research: Some coins, like the 1970-D Kennedy half-dollar, can be worth more because they are made in a certain way or contain silver that other coins don’t.
Taking these steps can help you find secret gems in your coin collection. This will not only make you enjoy these coins more, but it could also make your collection worth more money.
Besides being cool to look at, these half-dollar coins are important pieces of history. They are valuable things that can last a long time because of their beauty, form, and stories that are attached to them.
FAQs
1. What makes a half-dollar coin valuable?
Half-dollar coins are valuable because they are hard to find, have historical value, have unique qualities (like being full of silver), and are in good shape.
2. Are half-dollar coins still being used?
Technically, half-dollars are still being made, but they aren’t used very often and can only be found in banks or by particular order.
3. How can I tell if my half-dollar is worth anything?
Look at the mint year, mint mark, and state. Older coins, especially ones from the first run or with unique mint marks, are usually worth more.
4. What makes some Kennedy half-dollars so valuable?
Some Kennedy half-dollars, like the 1964 version, which is 90% silver, or the 1970-D, one of the last ones with silver, have become more valuable because they are hard to find or have a unique composition.
5. Is a used fifty-dollar bill still worth something?
Of course, even old coins can be valuable if they are scarce. Coin fans, conversely, usually value coins higher when they are in great or mint shape.
READ MORE: Look for 10 Cent Coins That Are Worth Up to $2,000
