Half Dollar Coin Value Checker

Half Dollar Coin Varieties

Draped Bust Half Dollar

(1794-1839)

Seated Liberty Half Dollar

(1839-1891)

Barber Half Dollar

(1892-1915)

Walking Liberty Half Dollar

(1916-1947)

Franklin Half Dollar

(1948-1963)

Kennedy Half Dollar

(1964-Present)

Half Dollar Coin Value By Year

Spanning over two centuries of American coinage, the half dollar denomination has seen a fascinating array of designs and mintages. From the earliest flows of 1794 to modern commemorative issues, each date and mintmark combination holds a unique place in numismatic history. This comprehensive list outlines the values for every annual half dollar release, providing essential pricing data for collectors building sets by date or type. Whether seeking rare early examples or modern key dates, these values are an invaluable guide.

1776-1976191719201925
1935193619371939
1941194219431944
1945194619491951
1952195319541958
1959196119621963
1964196519661967
1968196919711972
1973197419761977
1979198019831984
198619891994

Most Valuable Half Dollar Coin

The half dollar coin has been minted for over 200 years, with many rare and valuable issues stemming from limited mintages, key dates, and conditional rarity. These three articles highlight some of the most coveted and expensive half dollar coins ever produced. From the earliest flows of the 1790s to classic 20th century rarities, they represent the pinnacles of significance and desirability for collectors assembling high-grade half dollar sets or pursuing unique pieces. Explore the history and numismatic reverence behind these most valuable half dollar treasures.

Half Dollar Coin Value by Grading

Condition is paramount when assessing the value of collectible half dollar coins. Even among the same date and mintmark, the numeric grade assigned by professional certification services can mean the difference between a modest sum and a small fortune. These three articles explore how half dollar values exponentially increase as grades approach premium Mint State levels. From advice on grading services to understanding strike, luster, and surface preservation, provide essential knowledge for buying, selling, or simply appreciating the influence of condition on these classic U.S. coins.

Half Dollar Coin History

The half dollar has been used in the United States since the late 18th century, with the first half dollars being struck in 1794. Early half dollars were made of silver and depicted Lady Liberty on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse. One early design was the Draped Bust half dollar, minted from 1796 to 1807 and featuring a draped bust of Liberty wearing a cap.

In 1839, the Seated Liberty half dollar was introduced, designed by Christian Gobrecht. This new design showed Liberty seated on a rock and featured stars around the edge. Several variations of the Seated Liberty design were issued over the next 50 years. One rare 1855 variation even printed the denomination as “Half Dol.” rather than the usual “Half D.”

The Barber half dollar succeeded the Seated Liberty series in 1892, featuring a stylized depiction of Liberty designed by Charles E. Barber. Adolph A. Weinman’s iconic Walking Liberty half dollar replaced the Barber in 1916. This design showed Lady Liberty gracefully walking toward the sunrise with the American flag billowing behind her.

Production of half dollars was interrupted during WWII from 1942-1947. In 1964, the Kennedy half dollar was introduced just months after the president’s assassination. The obverse depicts Kennedy while the reverse depicts the presidential seal.

For the US Bicentennial in 1976, a special design featuring Independence Hall was struck. The Kennedy design resumed in 1977 and still circulates today. Despite decreases in usage over the years, the half dollar endures as an iconic remnant of early American coinage. The substantial silver coins remind Americans of the value once carried by currency backed by precious metals.

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