The Most Valuable Half Dollars: A Collector's Guide
The U.S. half dollar is a large, historic coin that many people love to collect. While most modern half dollars are only worth 50 cents, certain dates, mint marks, and silver issues can be worth much more. This guide will walk you through the most valuable half dollars from the most popular series: Kennedy, Franklin, and Walking Liberty.
Understanding Half Dollar Silver Content
The first rule of half dollar value is to check the date for silver content:
- 1964 and Earlier: All half dollars are made of 90% silver. Their base value is tied to the price of silver, typically ranging from $8 to $15.
- 1965 to 1970: These Kennedy half dollars are made of 40% silver. Their melt value is typically $3 to $6.
- 1971 to Present: These coins contain no silver and are generally only worth face value, with a few exceptions.
Most Valuable Kennedy Half Dollars (1964-Present)
While most are common, a few Kennedy half dollars are worth a premium.
- 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar: The first and only year the circulating coin was made of 90% silver. A beautiful coin and a must-have for collectors. Value: $10 - $25.
- 1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar: A key date. These were only issued in official mint sets and were not released for circulation. With only 2.1 million minted, it's the scarcest of the series. Value: $15 - $40.
- 1965-1970 Half Dollars: These 40% silver coins are always worth saving. Value: $3 - $6 each.
Most Valuable Franklin Half Dollars (1948-1963)
This series is very popular to collect as a complete set. All are 90% silver. Value is boosted for coins with "Full Bell Lines" (FBL) on the Liberty Bell, indicating a sharp strike.
- 1949-S, 1948, 1953-S: These are some of the key dates in the series, often carrying a premium over their basic silver value. Value: $15 - $40+.
- Franklin Halves with Full Bell Lines (FBL): A coin with clear, uninterrupted horizontal lines at the bottom of the Liberty Bell is considered FBL. This designation can increase the coin's value by 20% to 1000% or more, depending on the date.
Most Valuable Walking Liberty Half Dollars (1916-1947)
Considered one of America's most beautiful coin designs, this series has several major rarities.
- 1921-S: A major key date with a low mintage. Value: $200 - $10,000+.
- 1921-D: Another very scarce date. Value: $250 - $15,000+.
- 1938-D: The final key date of the series. Value: $75 - $1,000+.
- 1916-S: A semi-key date from the first year of issue. Value: $70 - $2,000+.
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