Half dollar coins might not be something you see every day, but they can be worth a lot more than just 50 cents. Two of the most famous ones in American history are the Kennedy Half Dollar and the Franklin Half Dollar. These coins are not only rich in history but may also hold hidden value for collectors. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned coin enthusiast, this guide will help you understand which coin might be worth more — and why.
What Makes the Franklin Half Dollar Special?
The Franklin Half Dollar was made from 1948 to 1963. It shows Benjamin Franklin, one of America’s Founding Fathers, on the front. On the back is the Liberty Bell, a symbol of freedom and a connection to Philadelphia, where Franklin lived.
Here are a few key points about this coin:
- Silver Content: It’s made of 90% silver, so it already has built-in value from the metal alone.
- Design Details: Some coins have a special feature called Full Bell Lines (FBL) — this means the lines on the Liberty Bell are sharply detailed. These are more valuable.
- Rare Dates: Coins from certain years or in great condition can be worth thousands. For example, a 1955 Franklin Half in top shape has sold for over $5,000!
What Makes the Kennedy Half Dollar Unique?
The Kennedy Half Dollar was first made in 1964, just months after President John F. Kennedy was tragically assassinated. The coin was designed to honor him.
Here’s why collectors love the Kennedy Half:
- 1964 Version: Like the Franklin, the first Kennedy Half Dollar was 90% silver. That year’s coin is a top pick for collectors.
- Later Versions: From 1965 to 1970, the silver content dropped to 40%, and after that, most versions were made with base metals.
- Rare Types: Some versions have errors or special designs. One example is the “Accented Hair” variety from 1964 — it has a slightly different hair design and can sell for thousands of dollars if in mint condition.
- Special Mint Sets: Some coins made for collectors only (not regular use) are super rare and can be worth a lot. One rare 1964 Kennedy Half from a special mint set sold for over $40,000!
Silver vs. Collector Interest
When thinking about hidden value, two main things matter:
- Silver Content:
- Franklin Halves always have 90% silver.
- Only the 1964 Kennedy Half has that much silver — later versions have less or none.
- Collector Demand:
- Franklin Halves attract serious coin fans because of their clean, classic design and consistency.
- Kennedy Halves are loved for emotional reasons, like honoring a beloved president, and for their many varieties.
Examples from Coin Auctions
To show how valuable these coins can be, here are a couple of real-world sales:
- A 1953-S Franklin Half with Full Bell Lines sold for over $12,000 at auction.
- A 1964 Kennedy SMS (Special Mint Set) coin in perfect condition went for more than $40,000!
So even though both coins can be valuable, some rare Kennedy Halves can sell for even more than their Franklin counterparts.
Which Coin Is the Better Investment?
It really depends on what you’re looking for:
- Choose the Franklin Half Dollar if you want steady silver content and historical rarity.
- Go for the Kennedy Half Dollar if you’re interested in special errors, emotional value, and more recent collector sets.
Either way, these coins could be worth much more than their face value. So, if you have any old coins lying around, it might be time to check them out — you could have a hidden treasure!
Final Thoughts
Both the Kennedy and Franklin Half Dollars offer exciting possibilities for collectors and investors. Franklin Halves bring solid silver content and historical charm. Kennedy Halves offer emotional meaning and lots of unique variations that can be worth big money.
Whether you’ve inherited coins from family or just picked some up from a flea market, take a closer look. You might be holding something that’s not only rich in history but rich in value too. In the world of coin collecting, even a half dollar can tell a full story.
FAQ’S
What’s the main difference between the Kennedy and Franklin Half Dollars?
- The Franklin Half Dollar is all silver, while the Kennedy Half Dollar only had 90% silver in 1964.
Which coin is more valuable, the Kennedy or Franklin Half Dollar?
- The value depends on rarity and condition, but rare Kennedy Halves often fetch higher prices.
What does “Full Bell Lines” mean for Franklin Half Dollars?
- Full Bell Lines indicate a sharply struck Liberty Bell, making the coin more valuable.
How do I know if my Kennedy Half Dollar is worth more?
- Look for rare versions like the 1964 “Accented Hair” or special mint sets for higher value.
Where can I sell rare Kennedy or Franklin Half Dollars?
- Sell them at coin shows, auctions, or through trusted online coin dealers.
