Half dollar silver coins are popular with collectors for a couple of different reasons. First off, it is not cost prohibitive to put together a complete type set. A type set means a collection that consists of one example of all of the different major half dollar coin designs. The half dollar is also a fairly large coin. So you can enjoy the coins in hand without magnification. It is rare to see a half dollar in circulation today (not that the coins themselves are rare). It is worth mentioning that all circulation strike Kennedy half dollars from 1971 and later are just worth their face value of 50 cents.
How much silver is in an old half dollar? There is no quick cheat sheet to instantly know the value of any half dollar silver coin. However, it is helpful to know the silver content for 50 cent coins minted after 1891. Every half dollar minted for the years 1892 to 1964 has .361 ounces of pure silver in it. So you can take the price of silver per ounce and multiple it by .361 to get the “melt” value of the half dollar. It is important to remember that many coins will have circulated to the point that they have lost some silver content so they will be worth less than melt. Other coins will be in nice condition and rare because of their year and mint mark; those high grade and rare coins will be valued based on their collector value and not their silver value. With that said, the majority of older half dollars you might find tucked away in a relative’s sock drawer are likely just worth their silver weight. It is also worth mentioning that JFK half dollars from 1965 to 1970 are made up of 40% silver instead of 90% silver.
What are the rarest silver 50 cent coins? If you don’t count over-dates, proofs, and strange varieties then the rarest half dollar coin is the 1873-S with no arrows. None of those coins are thought to have survived. The rarest coins that still exist are the 1796 and 1797 halves. Seated liberty half dollars from 1878 to 1890 have some low mintages and are generally tough to find. It is important to value each coin on its own individual merits. Please read our guides below for more information. And keep in mind that you can reach us by email at [email protected] if you would like to sell your coins.
Flowing Hair Half Dollar (1794-1795)
Reeded Edge Capped Bust Half Dollars (1836-1839)
FAQs
Up to 230 years old in 2024 and worth significantly more than fifty cents, Half dollar silver coins minted from 1794 to 1916 are very popular and highly collectible. If you have any of these half dollar silver coins their value could be thousands of dollars.
How much can I sell my silver half dollar for? ›
Find the Value in Your Silver Half Dollars
A silver half dollar's value can be anywhere from $3.69 to $2,150,000 in 2024, depending on factors such as grade and rarity. Since the coin's minting, the silver half dollar has been minted and circulated for over two hundred years.
How do I know if my Kennedy Half Dollar is valuable? ›
Although the standard coin itself can hold value, you can identify rarer versions of this coin by looking at the design. Coins with known and documented errors, like changes in the former president's hair, can be worth even more.
How much is a 1964 half dollar worth? ›
1964 Kennedy Half Dollar Value
According to the NGC Price Guide, as of July 2024, a Kennedy Half Dollar from 1964 in circulated condition is worth between $10.50 and $11.25. However, on the open market 1964 Half Dollars in pristine, uncirculated condition sell for as much as $5200.
What is the best year for silver half dollars? ›
Some of the most popular and sought after dates for the Walking Liberty Halves are from 1916, 1919 and 1921. In particular, the 1921-P and 1921-D tend to trade at the highest values.
Which Kennedy half dollars are most valuable? ›
Notably, those minted in 1964 hold a special distinction as the most valuable. Unlike their later counterparts, 1964 Kennedy Half Dollars boast an impressive 90% silver content, making them highly sought-after by collectors and investors alike.
What is the best way to sell old silver dollars? ›
You have several options, including local coin shops, online precious metals dealers, online marketplaces, and direct sales to collectors. Rare coins are best sold direct to collectors who may pay a healthy premium. If you need to sell a large quantity of silver coins, then a dealer is ideal.
How much is a silver half dollar worth in scrap? ›
Melt Values of U.S. Silver Coins
| Coin | Composition | Melt Value Updated 7/30/2024 |
|---|
| Franklin Half Dollar (1948-1963) | 90% Silver | $10.15 |
| Kennedy Half Dollar (1964) | 90% Silver | $10.15 |
| Kennedy Half Dollar (1965-1970) | 60% Copper, 40% Silver | $4.15 |
| Morgan Dollar (1878-1921) | 90% Silver | $21.69 |
13 more rows1776-1976 S SILVER Eisenhower Dollar Value
According to the NGC Price Guide, as of July 2024, a Eisenhower Dollar from 1776-1976 S in circulated condition is worth between $9.25 and $10.50. However, on the open market 1776-1976 S SILVER Silver Dollars in pristine, uncirculated condition sell for as much as $7000.
What years should I look for Kennedy Half Dollars? ›
Key Dates & Varieties
- 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar, Doubled Die Obverse. ...
- 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar, Doubled Die Reverse. ...
- 1964 Kennedy Half 'Accentuated Hair' Proof. ...
- 1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar. ...
- 1972-D Kennedy Half Dollar, No 'FG' ...
- 1974-D Kennedy Half Dollar, Doubled Die Obverse. ...
- 1982-P Kennedy Half Dollar, No 'FG'
Kennedy Half Dollar Prices
| DATE | G-VG | F-VF |
|---|
| 1965 P | $5 | $5 |
| 1966 P | $5 | $5 |
| 1967 P | $5 | $5 |
| 1968 D | $5 | $5 |
23 more rowsDownies Collectables, a Victorian-based coin dealer, recently sold a rare 1988 50 cent coin for $14,750. All 50 cent coins minted in 1988 were supposed to feature a First Fleet boat and the dates 1788-1988 to celebrate the bicentenary. Instead, some coins were accidentally printed with the standard coat of arms.
Are Susan B. Anthony dollars worth anything? ›
On average, a Susan B Anthony coin that has been previously circulated is worth about $1.05-$1.35. Since they were originally $1 coins, they have only increased slightly in numismatic value. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. A coin in pristine, uncirculated condition can sell for up to $1950.
How much is a 1963 silver half dollar worth? ›
According to the NGC Price Guide, as of July 2024, a Franklin Half Dollar from 1963 in circulated condition is worth between $11.25 and $13.75. However, on the open market 1963 Half Dollars in pristine, uncirculated condition sell for as much as $3125.
How to identify a 1964 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar? ›
First of all, the strike is very sharp as it displays very clear details on both the obverse and the reverse. The coins also contain a smooth satin like appearance with the rims being very square and sharp. There are die polishing lines throughout the coins surfaces.
What year are half dollars 100% silver? ›
Starting with 1965-dated coins, the percentage of fine silver was reduced from 90% to 40% (silver clad), but even with this change the coin saw little circulation. In 1971, silver was eliminated entirely from the half dollar.
How old does a half dollar have to be to be silver? ›
Which Half Dollars Are Silver?
| Years Minted | Half Dollar | Silver Composition |
|---|
| 1892-1915 | Barber | 90% |
| 1916-1947 | Walking Liberty | 90% |
| 1948-1963 | Franklin | 90% |
| 1964 | Kennedy | 90% |
5 more rowsSep 26, 2023
1972 S SILVER Eisenhower Dollar Value
According to the NGC Price Guide, as of July 2024, a Eisenhower Dollar from 1972 S in circulated condition is worth between $9.50 and $10.75. However, on the open market 1972 S SILVER Silver Dollars in pristine, uncirculated condition sell for as much as $3000.
What makes a 1968 half dollar rare? ›
Only coins struck immediately following the deployment of freshly prepared obverse and reverse dies will exhibit Cameo on the obverse and reverse. Cameo 1968-S Kennedy half dollars are uncommon for this date, and Deep/Ultra Cameo examples are scarce. It's been more than 50 years since the 1968-S Proof Set was issued.
