Which half dollar coins are valuable?
Matthew Barrera
Updated on April 04, 2026
Most Valuable US Half Dollars – Highest Value Half Dollar Coins
- 1797 Draped Bust Half Dollar: 15 Stars.
- 1796 Draped Bust Half Dollar: 16 Stars.
- 1839 Capped Bust Half Dollar: Small Letters Reverse.
- 1796 Draped Bust Half Dollar: 15 Stars.
- 1817 Capped Bust Half Dollar: 7 Over 4.
Is a 1976 S half dollar silver?
Kennedy half dollar in Brilliant Uncirculated condition, with no wear and strong luster. Produced at the San Francisco mint (“S” mintmark)….1976-S U.S. 40% Silver Bicentennial Kennedy Half Dollar.
| Country | United States |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.6mm |
| Weight | 11.5g |
| Composition | .400 silver |
What makes a 1971 half dollar rare?
Rare 1971-D Kennedy Half Dollar Planchet Error This error most likely happened when some older 40% silver planchets got stuck in the bins used to move raw planchets to the striking machines. When emptied, these silver planchets ended up in the hopper and were later struck. What is this?
What is the error on a 1971 Kennedy half dollar?
Rare 1971-D Kennedy Half Dollar Planchet Error This is a major mint error as all 1971 Kennedy Half Dollars were to be made with 75% copper and 25% nickel planchets. This error most likely happened when some older 40% silver planchets got stuck in the bins used to move raw planchets to the striking machines.
Is there any silver in a 1971 Kennedy half dollar?
In 1971, silver was eliminated entirely from the coins and production increased, but the half dollar still saw only a minor increase in usage. A special design for the reverse of the half dollar was issued for the United States Bicentennial and was struck in 1975 and 1976.
Is a 1964 half dollar worth anything?
The 1964 Kennedy half dollar is the only regular-issue coin in the series made of 90% silver. People still save Kennedy half dollars today, often believing that they’re rare and special coins. However, only a handful of issues and varieties really hold any significant premium above face value or silver spot price.
When did they stop making half dollars with silver in them?
From 1965 to 1970 the silver content was reduced from 90% (in 1964 dated coins) to 40% silver. The popularity of collecting Kennedy half dollars is beginning to increase.
How much does a half dollar coin cost?
A complete, basic date-and-mintmark set of business strikes and proofs can be built for less than $2,000. Add varieties and other unusual offerings, including the 2014-W gold half dollar, and the price can quickly approach $7,500 or more.
What happened to the Franklin half dollar design?
Congress moved quickly to pass a law ( Public Law 88-256) to eliminate the Franklin half dollar design and create a coin to commemorate President John F. Kennedy. Gilroy Roberts created the portrait of Kennedy on the obverse and Frank Gasparro sculpted the heraldic eagle on the reverse based upon the Great Seal of the United States.
