Half Dollar Values
Complete guide to US half dollar values by type, year, and condition. From Walking Liberty to Franklin to Kennedy — find out what your 50-cent pieces are worth.
Complete Half Dollar Value Guide by Series
Half Dollar Silver Content by Era
Understanding the silver content of your half dollar is the first step to determining its value. All US half dollars minted before 1965 contain 90% silver (0.3617 troy ounces per coin), making them worth at least their melt value. Kennedy halves from 1965-1970 contain 40% silver, while 1971 and later are copper-nickel clad with no silver content.
| Series | Years | Silver Content | Silver Weight (oz) | Base Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flowing Hair / Draped Bust | 1794-1807 | 89.24% silver | 0.3474 oz | $500-$10,000+ |
| Capped Bust | 1807-1839 | 89.24% silver | 0.3474 oz | $50-$5,000+ |
| Seated Liberty | 1839-1891 | 90% silver | 0.3617 oz | $25-$2,000+ |
| Barber | 1892-1915 | 90% silver | 0.3617 oz | $10-$500+ |
| Walking Liberty | 1916-1947 | 90% silver | 0.3617 oz | $15-$200+ |
| Franklin | 1948-1963 | 90% silver | 0.3617 oz | $12-$100+ |
| Kennedy (Silver) | 1964 | 90% silver | 0.3617 oz | $10-$20 |
| Kennedy (40% Silver) | 1965-1970 | 40% silver | 0.1479 oz | $4-$8 |
| Kennedy (Clad) | 1971-Present | 0% silver | 0 oz | $0.50-$2 |
Most Valuable Half Dollars by Series
Each half dollar series contains key dates and rarities that command significant premiums over common issues. Here are the standout coins from each era that collectors actively seek.
How to Identify Your Half Dollar
The fastest way to identify which half dollar you have is by the design on the obverse (front). Walking Liberty halves show a full-length Liberty striding toward the sunrise. Franklin halves feature Benjamin Franklin's portrait. Kennedy halves show JFK's profile. Earlier series like Barber halves have a Liberty head with laurel wreath, and Seated Liberty halves depict a seated figure of Liberty. CoinID can instantly identify your half dollar type, year, mint mark, and approximate value from a single photo.
How CoinID Helps With Dollar Values
All Half Dollar Series
Values for Kennedy, Walking Liberty, Franklin, Barber, Seated Liberty, and Bust halves — every US half dollar ever made.
Silver Content Calculator
Know the melt value of your silver half dollars instantly. 90% silver (pre-1965), 40% silver (1965-1970), and clad (1971+).
Year-by-Year Pricing
Detailed values for every year and mint mark combination across all series.
Key Date & Error Finder
Identify rare dates, valuable errors, and varieties that command premium prices from collectors.
Half Dollar Values FAQ
It depends on the type, year, and condition. Silver half dollars (pre-1965) are worth at least their silver melt value of $10-$15. Walking Liberty key dates can be worth $150-$150,000+. Kennedy halves from 1964 are worth $10-$20 for their silver content.
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