A Collector's Guide to Half Dollar Coins

Half dollars are some of the most popular coins that collectors like to buy. They're also some of the first-ever produced coins by the U.S. Mint. In fact, the first half dollar coins were struck in December 1794.

Half dollars are so much fun to add to your collection because there are many different variations. Since the Mint has been producing these since 1794, you can imagine they've gone through several evolutions.

Early evolutions of this coin focused on Lady Liberty. You'll note several depictions of her in the early phases. After that, one of our founding fathers was the focus -  Benjamin Franklin.

Then, he stepped aside and made room for the late  President Kennedy. These are the half dollars still in circulation today. Together, let's talk a walk through history and explore all the half dollar coins that have been struck throughout the years.

Historical Evolution of Half Dollar Coins

1. Flowing Hair Half Dollar (1794-1795)

The  Flowing Hair Half Dollar is one of the original U.S. Mint coins, struck in December 1794. It features Lady Liberty with her flowing hair surrounded by 15 stars representing the 15 states in the Union at the time. The reverse showcases an American bald eagle surrounded by a wreath and the inscription "United States of America." Composed of 90% silver, the Flowing Hair Half Dollar is highly sought after, with prices starting at $1,000 due to its rarity and limited production run.

2. Draped Bust Half Dollar (1796-1807)

Designed by Robert Scot, the  Draped Bust Half Dollar showcases Lady Liberty with flowing hair and a draped gown over her bust. Three distinct reverse designs were produced: a naturalistic bald eagle and two heraldic eagle variations. These coins are highly valued, with prices ranging from several hundred to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the rarity and condition.

3. Capped Bust Half Dollar (1807-1839)

The  Capped Bust Half Dollar, designed by John Reich, features a right-facing portrait of Lady Liberty wearing a "turban" or cap. The reverse shows a heraldic bald eagle with spread wings. These coins are commonly referred to as "Turban Head" half dollars. Value is heavily influenced by age and condition, with prices ranging from $40 to $30,000.

4. Seated Liberty Half Dollar (1839-1891)

In this design,  Lady Liberty is depicted seated, holding a staff topped with a liberty cap, while the reverse features a bald eagle clutching an olive branch and arrows. The motto "In God We Trust" was added in 1866. The rarest editions, such as the 1842-O, 1870-CC, and 1878-S, can fetch thousands of dollars in uncirculated condition due to their scarcity.

5. Barber Half Dollar (1892-1915)

Named after its designer, Charles E. Barber, the  Barber Half Dollar features a portrait of Liberty with a simple cap and wreath. The reverse shows a heraldic eagle, and the motto "In God We Trust" appears above Liberty’s head. Rare varieties, such as the 1896-O, 1897-O, and 1915 coins, are especially valuable, while circulated rolls of these coins are more affordable.

6. Walking Liberty Half Dollar (1916-1947)

Adolphe A. Weinman’s  Walking Liberty design features a full-length Lady Liberty striding toward a rising sun. This iconic design remains a favorite among collectors. On the reverse, an eagle perches atop a mountain. Common-date versions can be acquired for around $30, while key dates like the 1916-S, 1919-D, and 1921 editions can reach tens of thousands of dollars.

7. Franklin Half Dollar (1948-1963)

The  Franklin Half Dollar features one of America's Founding Fathers, Benjamin Franklin, on the obverse, and the Liberty Bell on the reverse. Engraver John R. Sinnock based the design on an 18th-century sculpture by Jean Antoine-Houdon. Franklin Half Dollars with full bell lines or deep cameos are highly valued, with prices ranging from $10 to thousands of dollars, depending on the quality and condition.

8. Kennedy Half Dollar (1964-Present)

The  Kennedy Half Dollar was introduced to honor President John F. Kennedy after his assassination. Only the 1964 edition contains 90% silver, while coins minted between 1965 and 1970 have 40% silver. Post-1971 coins are made of nickel and copper unless they are from special collector sets. Early 1964 Kennedy Half Dollars, particularly in mint condition, are highly valued, with rolls of 20 coins priced around $249.95.

How to Value Half Dollar Coins

As of 2024, the value of half dollars, particularly those minted before 1965, continues to rise due to their silver content and historical significance. Here’s a step-by-step guide to assessing the value of half dollar coins:

1. Identify the Series

Each half dollar design denotes a different era, and the series significantly impacts its value. For example, a Flowing Hair or Draped Bust half dollar will command a higher price compared to a more recent Kennedy Half Dollar.

2. Check the Date

Mintages from the 1700s and 1800s tend to be lower, making those coins more desirable. Older dates, such as those from the Flowing Hair and Draped Bust series, are worth more due to their rarity.

3. Look for Mint Marks

Mint marks indicate where the coin was produced. For example, Walking Liberty Half Dollars were minted in Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). Coins from certain mints, such as the 1916-S Walking Liberty, may be worth more.

4. Assess Grading Conditions

The condition, or grade, of a coin significantly impacts its value. High-grade coins, especially those with detailed engravings, such as the clear lines on the Liberty Bell in Franklin Half Dollars, are worth more than those in poor condition.

5. Consider Bullion Value

Half dollar coins minted before 1965 contain 90% silver, giving them intrinsic bullion value. Keep an eye on silver prices, as they can affect the value of your half dollars.

Recent Market Trends (2024 Update)

Recent auction data shows increasing demand for rare half dollars. A 1794 Flowing Hair Half Dollar sold for over $10 million in 2023, setting a new record. Franklin Half Dollars with full bell lines and Kennedy Half Dollars from 1964 remain popular due to their silver content.

Meanwhile, collectors are showing renewed interest in Seated Liberty and Barber Half Dollars, with prices for rare dates, such as the 1870-CC Seated Liberty, reaching over $100,000 at auction.

Start Your Half Dollar Collection Today

And there you have it! From Lady Liberty to Mr. Kennedy, you can have yourself a fine, fair half dollar collection. If you can get your hands on any Flowing Hair half dollars, Draped Bust half dollars, or Capped Bust half dollars, you're doing quite well.

Consider each of the five value points listed above and, if your desire is to sell, start shopping around to see who carefully considers each of these components.

Here at Bullion Shark, we have a wide variety of half dollars available for sale. You can round out your collection with a roll of 20 Walking Liberty almost uncirculated half dollars.

Or, you can add a 1950 Franklin half dollar proof to your growing collection. Proofs are the highest quality of any strike. They're very polished and are preserved specifically to maintain their condition.

No matter what you're looking for, feel free to browse our huge inventory of modern rare coins and classic rare coins. From $1 Gold Liberty Heads to $2.5 Gold Indians, we've got you covered.

And don't stop there. Our ancient & shipwreck coin collections are enough to make even the finest traders envious. Take a walk back in time with our Biblical coins collection. No matter your fancy, we look forward to shopping with you today.

FAQ

1. What is the most valuable half dollar coin?

The 1794 Flowing Hair Half Dollar is one of the most valuable, with prices starting at $1,000 and going much higher depending on the condition. Other rare half dollars include key dates from the Seated Liberty and Barber series.

2. Which half dollars contain silver?

Half dollars minted before 1965 contain 90% silver. Kennedy half dollars minted from 1965 to 1970 contain 40% silver. Coins minted after 1971 are made of copper and nickel.

3. How can I tell if my half dollar is valuable?

Look for rare dates, mintmarks, and check the coin's condition. Coins with clear details and minimal wear are more valuable. Consulting a coin grading guide or a professional appraiser can help determine the value.

4. What is the current price of silver, and how does it affect the value of my coin?

As of 2024, silver is valued at around $25 per ounce. The bullion value of a silver half dollar is determined by its weight in silver, which makes 90% silver coins particularly valuable for their silver content alone.

5. Where can I buy or sell half dollars?

You can buy or sell half dollar coins through reputable dealers, such as Bullion Shark, online marketplaces, or at coin shows. Always ensure you are purchasing from or selling to a trustworthy source to get fair market value.