Many collectors and even casual coin enthusiasts are often unaware of the potential value hiding in everyday pocket change. Half-dollar coins, in particular, have a rich history, and some can be worth a significant fortune. Let’s explore the 10 most valuable half dollar coins that might be in your pocket change today.
1948 Franklin Half Dollar
The Franklin half-dollar, issued between 1948 and 1963, is beloved by collectors. The 1948 edition is particularly sought after due to its lower mintage. While its design is simple, the coin’s historical significance and scarcity drive its value up in the collectors’ market.
1964 Kennedy Half Dollar
This coin is noteworthy not only because of its historical context, minted shortly after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy but also because it was produced with 90% silver. The 1964 Kennedy half-dollar has retained high value, especially in higher grades.
1892 Barber Half Dollar
The Barber half-dollar, issued from 1892 to 1915, is a coin with a classic design featuring Liberty. The 1892 edition is rare and valuable due to its age and limited production run. Collectors often seek these coins in good condition, and they can fetch high prices at auction.
1955 Franklin Half Dollar
This particular coin from the Franklin series stands out due to its rarity and lower mintage. The 1955 Franklin half-dollar is prized among collectors, especially those in mint condition, and its value has steadily increased over time.
1916 Walking Liberty Half Dollar
One of the most iconic designs in U.S. coin history, the Walking Liberty half-dollar was issued from 1916 to 1947. The 1916 coin is one of the most valuable in this series, particularly in higher grades, and is highly sought after by numismatists.
1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar
While many Kennedy half-dollars were minted in lower quantities after 1970, the 1970-D is particularly valuable. It was one of the last half-dollars minted with silver, making it highly coveted by collectors.
1938-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar
The 1938-D edition of the Walking Liberty Half Dollar is rare due to its limited production run. Collectors prize it for its beauty and scarcity, and it often fetches high prices at auction, especially in pristine condition.
1878-S Liberty Seated Half Dollar
With its striking design, the 1878-S Liberty Seated half-dollar is both a rare and valuable find. Its age and condition are key factors that determine its price, with well-preserved coins commanding significant sums.
1967 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar
This Special Mint Set (SMS) coin from 1967 is notable for its sharp strike and mirror-like surfaces. Although it’s not made of silver, its rarity and condition make it highly collectible and valuable to numismatists.
1917-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar
Another valuable Walking Liberty coin, the 1917-S edition, is highly sought after due to its rarity. Coins from the early years of this series in good condition are especially coveted, and the 1917-S is no exception.
| Coin Name | Rarity | Approximate Value | Mint Year | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1948 Franklin Half Dollar | Rare | Up to $2,500 | 1948 | Lower mintage |
| 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar | Rare | Up to $2,000 | 1964 | 90% silver content |
| 1892 Barber Half Dollar | Very Rare | Up to $5,000 | 1892 | First year of the Barber series |
| 1955 Franklin Half Dollar | Scarce | Up to $4,500 | 1955 | Low mintage |
| 1916 Walking Liberty | Very Rare | Up to $10,000 | 1916 | First year of Walking Liberty series |
| 1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar | Scarce | Up to $1,500 | 1970 | Last year with silver content |
| 1938-D Walking Liberty | Very Rare | Up to $8,000 | 1938 | Limited production run |
| 1878-S Liberty Seated | Extremely Rare | Up to $15,000 | 1878 | Part of the Liberty Seated series |
| 1967 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar | Rare | Up to $1,200 | 1967 | Special Mint Set issue |
| 1917-S Walking Liberty | Very Rare | Up to $12,000 | 1917 | Scarcity and high demand |
FAQs
1. What makes a half dollar coin valuable?
Half dollar coins are valuable due to factors like rarity, condition, mintage, and whether they contain silver. Coins from specific years, especially those with lower production runs or errors, tend to have higher value.
2. Are all half dollar coins made of silver?
No, not all half dollar coins contain silver. Coins minted before 1965 typically contain 90% silver, while those minted after that date have lower silver content or are made of other metals.
3. How can I determine the condition of a half dollar coin?
The condition of a coin is determined by its “grade,” which assesses the amount of wear and tear on the coin. Uncirculated or mint-condition coins are generally worth more than those that show significant wear.
4. Where can I sell valuable half dollar coins?
You can sell valuable half dollar coins at coin shops, through online auction sites like eBay, or at professional coin auctions. Having your coin appraised by a numismatist can help ensure you receive the best price.
5. What should I do if I find a rare half-dollar coin?
If you believe you’ve found a rare half dollar coin, it’s best to have it evaluated by a professional coin appraiser. They can help determine its value based on rarity, condition, and other factors.