The short answer is yes, the United States still mints and produces 50 cent coins known as half dollars that remain legal tender with a face value of 50 cents or half a dollar. Despite not being seen in circulation too often anymore, new half dollars are struck each year for collectors while older examples from the 1800s and 1900s can be quite valuable.
In this detailed guide, we’ll explore the history of half dollar coins, silver content over the years, mintage figures, how much they are worth, and tips for collecting half dollars as a hobby or investment. Let’s dive in!
A Comprehensive History of Half Dollar Coins in the U.S.
Half dollar coins have a long history dating back to the birth of the United States Mint and have endured as an integral denomination of U.S. coinage for over 225 years. Here is a chronological history of the half dollar from 1794 to today:
- 1794 – The Flowing Hair half dollar is minted, containing 89.24% silver and weighing 13.48 grams
- 1795 – The Draped Bust design debuts and remains through 1807
- 1807 – Capped Bust half dollars introduced, with various subtypes like “50 C.” and no motto until 1839
- 1836 – Reeded Edge half dollars released with 50 cents on the reverse
- 1839 – Seated Liberty half dollars begin, depicting Lady Liberty seated on rocks
- 1853 – With Stars half dollars feature arrows at the date and rays on the reverse
- 1866 – The motto “In God We Trust” is added above the eagle
- 1892 – The Barber half dollar designed by Charles Barber is released
- 1916 – The Walking Liberty half dollar is introduced with a depiction of Lady Liberty striding
- 1964 – The last 90% silver half dollars are produced, totaling over 324 million
- 1964 – John F. Kennedy half dollars released after his assassination on November 22, 1963
- 1965-1970 – 40% silver Kennedy half dollars minted as the metal is phased out of circulation coins
- 1971-2001 – Copper-nickel clad Kennedy half dollars with no silver content
- 2002-Today – Modern half dollars struck primarily as numismatic collectibles
As you can see, the half dollar has undergone numerous design changes over the centuries but maintains its face value of 50 cents. Next let’s examine the silver content in half dollars over time.
Silver Weight and Percentages in U.S. Half Dollars
Early half dollars from 1794 up until 1964 were struck in silver. Here is a quick comparison of the silver content in various half dollars:
| Year/Series | Silver Weight | Silver Percent |
|---|---|---|
| 1794-1964 | 12.5 grams | 90% |
| 1965-1970 | 11.5 grams | 40% |
| 1971-Today | 0 grams | 0% |
It’s important to know the silver percentages on half dollars when determining their melt values above face value and popularity with stackers seeking precious metals.
Now let’s look at mintage totals of some of the rarest half dollar issues:
Rare U.S. Half Dollars Key Date Mintage Figures
While mintage numbers don’t always correlate to scarcity for coins that saw heavy circulation, they provide a baseline for comparing rare half dollar issues.
Here are mintage totals for some of the rarest and most valuable United States half dollar coins:
| Year | Mint | Mintage |
|---|---|---|
| 1796 | Philadelphia | 3,918 |
| 1817/4 | Philadelphia | 3,632 |
| 1838 | Philadelphia | 345,000 |
| 1838-O | New Orleans | 20,000 |
| 1878 | Philadelphia | 300 |
| 1892-O | New Orleans | 390,000 |
| 1893-S | San Francisco | 100,000 |
| 1915 | Philadelphia | 138,000 |
| 1921 | Philadelphia | 246,000 |
| 2021 | Philadelphia | 220,000 |
As you can see from the mintages, early half dollars from the 18th and 19th centuries tend to be the rarest. However, even later dates like 2021 saw tiny mintages under 250,000 making them modern key dates as well.
Next let’s examine how much half dollars are worth based on date, mintmark, condition, and other factors:
How Much Are My Half Dollars Worth? Values and Price Guide
The value of half dollar coins depends largely on date, mint, condition, and varieties like doubled dies or overdates. Here is a broad overview of half dollar values:
- Common 90% silver half dollars – Dates prior to 1965 have a base melt value around $6 to $8 depending on silver markets. Better dates are worth slight premiums in circulated condition.
- Common clad half dollars (1965-Today) – The majority of Kennedy, Franklin, and Walking Liberty half dollars dated 1965 and newer are only worth face value of 50 cents if worn and circulated.
- Uncirculated modern half dollars – Kennedy half dollars graded MS60 or higher can be valued at $1 to $20 depending on date and mintmark.
- Proof half dollars – Specially struck proof issues are worth $5 to $50 depending on age, mintage figures, and condition.
- Graded key date half dollars – High grade and rare half dollars like the 1796, 1817/4, 1878, 1921, and others are valued at hundreds to hundreds of thousands based on scarcity and demand.
Let’s take a look at some specific half dollar examples and current market values:
- 1905-O half dollar in G-4 circulated grade – $35
- 1916 Walking Liberty half in AU-50 – $120
- Franklin half dollar proof from 1961 in PR-67 – $50
- 1964 Kennedy 90% silver half uncirculated – $12
- 1972-D Kennedy 40% silver half MS-65 – $25
- 1896-O Barber half dollar XF-40 – $150
- 1873 Seated Liberty arrow half G-6 – $250
- 1796 Draped Bust small eagle half VF-20 – $135,000
As you can see, circulated examples of common dates are generally worth small premiums over face value. However, certified uncirculated, proof, and high grade coins see larger premiums of 50x to 100x face value in some cases. Ultra rare early half dollars like the 1796 can be valued at over 250,000x face value in low grades!
Opinions and Analysis on Collecting Half Dollar Coins
In my opinion as a coin collector and dealer for over 20 years, half dollars represent one of the most historically significant, diverse, and engaging U.S. coin series to collect and invest in for hobbyists and professionals alike.
Here are some key benefits I see to half dollar coin collecting:
- High upside potential – As silver prices rise, key dates become rarer, and new collectors enter the market, half dollar values are positioned for strong upside.
- Less expensive – Half dollars cost much less than dollars coins in the same grade and condition.
- Design history – The numerous designs provide a visually appealing historical record and range for any collection.
- Strong detail – The large size allows intricate details of Liberty, eagles, lettering, and other elements to shine.
While half dollars can seem elusive in circulation today, they are readily available from dealers, auctions, shows, and online marketplaces to fit nearly any budget. I believe collecting half dollars to be a smart and engaging pursuit for historians, hobbyists, investors, and anyone passionate about United States coinage.
Half Dollar Investing and Collecting Strategy Tips
If you are interested in starting a half dollar collection, here are my top tips:
- Start with circulation strikes – Build a set of common dates, mintmarks, and designs in circulated condition as an affordable base.
- Focus on uncirculated – For those wanting grade-worthy investments, focus on brilliant uncirculated coins, especially newer dates 1980-today.
- Consider certified coins – Third-party grading and encapsulation authenticates condition and improves liquidity.
- Buy the book before the coin – Research reference guides like A Guide Book of United States Coins to learn about the series.
- Have patience – Finding nice coins at fair prices takes persistence and patience to build the perfect collection.
- Create a budget – Decide how much to spend and set a monthly collecting budget for consistency.
- View dealers as resources – Established dealers can provide guidance, education, and access to inventory.
Conclusion – Half Dollars Are an Important, Valuable Series
In conclusion, half dollar coins have played a significant role in United States coinage for over 200 years and counting. Early half dollars included precious metals while today’s issues are struck for collectors. Many rare, old half dollars are worth thousands while recent uncirculated examples carry smaller premiums. This accessible, diverse 50 cent denomination provides a little something for everyone.
I hope you’ve enjoyed exploring the history, silver content, mintages, values, and collecting strategies around these fascinating 50 cent silver coins. Whether you are just getting started or a seasoned veteran, United States half dollar coins have plenty to offer collectors and investors alike. Let me know if you have any other questions!
