Finding valuable coins in your everyday pocket change can be a fun surprise! Among these coins, half-dollar coins can sometimes be worth much more than their face value of 50 cents. This is because some half dollars have special features, like historical importance, minting mistakes, or limited production runs. In this article, we will explore some of the most valuable half-dollar coins you might discover in your pocket change today.
1952 Franklin Half Dollar
The 1952 Franklin Half Dollar is one of the last half-dollar coins to feature Benjamin Franklin. This coin is popular among collectors because it has a lower mintage than other years. If you find a 1952 Franklin Half Dollar in excellent condition, it can be worth anywhere from $50 to $200 or more. The value depends on how well the coin has been preserved.
1964 Kennedy Half Dollar
The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar was introduced shortly after President John F. Kennedy’s assassination. This coin is highly sought after because it has a 90% silver content. Since it’s the only Kennedy half-dollar made with this much silver, collectors are very interested in it. Depending on its condition, this coin can be valued between $10 and $100 or more. Just the silver content gives it a value much higher than 50 cents!
1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar
The 1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar, minted in Denver, is another rare coin to look for. It was the last half-dollar to contain silver, with 40% silver content, and was only released in special collector sets. This makes it hard to find in circulation. The low mintage adds to its value, and prices can range from $50 to $200 or more depending on the coin’s condition.
1948 Franklin Half Dollar
The 1948 Franklin Half Dollar is the first coin in the Franklin Half Dollar series. Collectors highly prize this coin due to its historical importance. If you find one in uncirculated condition, it can be valued between $50 and $150. The coin’s age and history make it a treasured item for many collectors.
1966 Kennedy Half Dollar
While it may look like an ordinary half-dollar, the 1966 Kennedy Half Dollar actually contains 40% silver, making it more valuable than modern half dollars made without silver. This coin is often sought after by those who collect coins for their silver content. Depending on its condition, the 1966 Kennedy Half Dollar can be worth between $10 and $50.
1955 Franklin Half Dollar
The 1955 Franklin Half Dollar is known for its lower mintage compared to other years. This makes it a valuable find among collectors. Those in high-grade condition can be valued between $50 and $200 or more. If you come across one, it’s worth checking its condition and grade!
1949-D Franklin Half Dollar
The 1949-D Franklin Half Dollar, minted in Denver, is considered rare because of its limited production. If you find one in great condition, it can be worth $100 to $500 or more. The coin’s rarity and the demand from collectors contribute to its high value.
1963 Franklin Half Dollar
The 1963 Franklin Half Dollar is special because it is the last year of the Franklin Half Dollar series. Uncirculated versions of this coin are more valuable, often ranging from $50 to $150. Collectors appreciate its significance as the final production year of the series.
1976 Bicentennial Kennedy Half Dollar
Minted to celebrate America’s 200th anniversary, the 1976 Bicentennial Kennedy Half Dollar features a unique reverse design that distinguishes it from other coins in the series. While many of these coins are found in circulation, those in mint condition or with special silver content from collector sets can be valued between $10 and $50 or more.
1938-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar
The 1938-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar is highly sought after due to its low mintage, making it a key date coin in the Walking Liberty series. In higher grades, it can command prices ranging from $100 to $1,000 or more. This coin is a prized addition for those looking to complete a Walking Liberty set.
Table of Valuable Half Dollar Coins
| Coin Name | Scarcity | Value | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1952 Franklin Half Dollar | Rare | $50 – $200+ | Lower mintage, last in Franklin series |
| 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar | Highly Desirable | $10 – $100+ | 90% silver, historical significance |
| 1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar | Very Rare | $50 – $200+ | Last with silver content, low mintage |
| 1948 Franklin Half Dollar | Rare | $50 – $150+ | First in Franklin series |
| 1966 Kennedy Half Dollar | Desirable | $10 – $50+ | 40% silver content |
| 1955 Franklin Half Dollar | Rare | $50 – $200+ | Low mintage year |
| 1949-D Franklin Half Dollar | Rare | $100 – $500+ | Limited production |
| 1963 Franklin Half Dollar | Collectible | $50 – $150+ | Final year of Franklin series |
| 1976 Bicentennial Kennedy Half Dollar | Collectible | $10 – $50+ | Unique reverse design for Bicentennial |
| 1938-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar | Very Rare | $100 – $1,000+ | Low mintage, key date in series |
Valuable half-dollar coins can often be found by luck or careful searching through pocket change or old collections. Each coin listed above has unique characteristics that elevate its value beyond the 50 cents it is worth. Whether you are an experienced collector or just starting, keeping an eye out for these coins can turn a simple hobby into a rewarding treasure hunt.
FAQs
How should I store valuable half-dollar coins?
To protect valuable half-dollar coins, store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Are all half-dollar coins valuable?
Not all half-dollar coins are valuable. Most modern half-dollar coins, especially those produced after 1970, have little to no numismatic value beyond their face value.
What factors affect the value of half-dollar coins?
The value of half-dollar coins is influenced by several factors, including rarity, demand, condition (grade), historical significance, and metal content (e.g., silver).
How should I store valuable half-dollar coins?
To protect valuable half-dollar coins, store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.