Have you ever found an old half dollar and wondered if it’s worth more than 50 cents? You’re not alone! Some half dollars are very rare and can be worth a lot of money. In this guide, we’ll show you which years are the most valuable and how you can check if your coin is special. Let’s get started!
Why Some Half Dollars Are Rare
Not all half dollars are the same. Some are rare because they were made in small numbers, while others have special features that collectors love.
Low Mintage (Small Production)
If a coin was made in small amounts, it’s harder to find today. This makes it more valuable to collectors.
Mint Marks
A mint mark shows where the coin was made. You’ll see small letters like “D” (Denver), “S” (San Francisco), or no letter (Philadelphia). Some mint marks are rarer than others.
Mistakes and Errors
Coins with printing mistakes—like double numbers or off-center designs—are rare and often sell for more than perfect coins!
Most Valuable Half Dollar Years to Look For
Here are some half dollar coins that collectors are always looking for:
1964 Kennedy Half Dollar
This was the first Kennedy half dollar ever made. It’s made of 90% silver, which makes it more valuable than newer coins. Some are even worth hundreds if they are in great shape.
1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar
This coin was never meant for everyday use—it only came in special coin sets. That means not many exist. If you find one, it could be worth a lot.
1948 Franklin Half Dollar
This is the first year of the Franklin half dollar series. While it’s not the rarest, it’s very popular. In perfect condition, it can sell for good money.
1938-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar
Only about 491,600 of these were made. That’s a super small number! It’s one of the rarest of the Walking Liberty series.
1916-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar
This coin was made in San Francisco in 1916. It’s very old, rare, and highly wanted by collectors.
How to Tell If Your Half Dollar Is Rare
Here’s how you can check your half dollar at home:
Check the Date and Mint Mark
Start by looking at the year. Is it one of the years listed above? Then look for a small letter (mint mark) near the design. Some mint marks make coins even rarer.
Look for Silver
If your half dollar was made before 1971, it may contain silver. Coins made in:
- 1964 and earlier = 90% silver
- 1965–1970 = 40% silver
Watch for Errors
Flip the coin and look closely. Do you see double letters, missing numbers, or odd shapes? These are called “minting errors” and can make your coin special.
Conclusion
Some half dollars can be worth a lot more than just 50 cents—especially if they’re old, have silver in them, or were made in smaller numbers. Rare years like 1964, 1970-D, 1948, 1938-D, and 1916-S are just a few that collectors love. Always check the mint mark and condition, and keep an eye out for errors. Who knows? You might have a treasure hiding in your pocket or an old coin jar at home!
FAQ’s
1. What half dollar is the most valuable?
The 1838-O Capped Bust half dollar is extremely rare. Only 20 are known to exist!
2. Are all 1964 half dollars worth more?
Yes! All 1964 Kennedy half dollars have 90% silver, so they are worth more than face value.
3. Can I still find silver half dollars in circulation?
It’s rare, but possible. Most silver coins are no longer used in daily change.
4. Where do I find the mint mark?
On Kennedy half dollars, the mint mark is near the bottom right of Kennedy’s neck.
5. Can I sell a rare coin online?
Yes, you can sell rare coins on sites like eBay or take them to a local coin shop—but always do your research!
