Rare and Valuable U.S. Half Dollars

Explore the world of U.S. half dollars to uncover which ones are worth more than their face value. From early Flowing Hair half dollars to the iconic Kennedy design, each series has a unique history and potential value.

If you believe your half dollar collection might contain some valuable coins, Coinfully offers free, no-obligation appraisals. Reach out to us or fill out our appraisal form to discover the value of your collection.

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Flowing Hair Half Dollars (1794–1795)

The Flowing Hair half dollars were the first half dollars minted by the United States. Designed by Robert Scot, these coins feature a portrait of Liberty with flowing hair on the obverse and a small eagle on the reverse. Key dates in this series include:

1794 Flowing Hair half dollar: As the first half dollar ever minted, this coin is highly sought after by collectors.
1795 Flowing Hair half dollar: The final year of this design, making it a crucial piece for any collection.

These coins are highly collectible due to their historical significance and scarcity.

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Draped Bust Half Dollars (1796–1807)

Draped Bust half dollars, designed by Robert Scot, followed the Flowing Hair design and featured a more mature depiction of Liberty. Notable coins in this series include:

1796 Draped Bust half dollar (small eagle reverse): Rare and valuable due to its low mintage.
1801 Draped Bust half dollar (heraldic eagle reverse): Known for its classic design and historical significance.

These half dollars are cherished by collectors, especially those with low mintages and in higher grades.

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Capped Bust Half Dollars (1807–1839)

The Capped Bust half dollars, designed by John Reich, feature a robust depiction of Liberty wearing a cap on the obverse, with an eagle on the reverse. Collectors often look for:

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1823 Capped Bust half dollar (overdate): A famous overdate variety that is highly sought after.
1836 Capped Bust half dollar (reeded edge): This year marks the transition from the lettered edge to the reeded edge, making it significant for collectors.

These half dollars are prized for their detailed design and historical importance.

Seated Liberty Half Dollars (1839–1891)

The Seated Liberty half dollars, designed by Christian Gobrecht, were in circulation for over 50 years. The design features Liberty seated on a rock, holding a staff with a liberty cap. Notable varieties include:

1839 Seated Liberty half dollar (no drapery): The first year of issue with a unique design, making it a key date for collectors.
1853 Seated Liberty half dollar (arrows and rays): A popular variety with arrows at the date and rays around the eagle, indicating a change in weight.

These half dollars are highly sought after, particularly the rarer varieties and those in higher grades.

Detailed close-up of an assorted pile of pennies, highlighting the diversity in wear and patina of each coin.

A collection of Morgan Silver Dollars, highlighting the coin's return with its historic design and modern minting techniques.

Barber Half Dollars (1892–1915)

Designed by Charles E. Barber, the Barber half dollars are known for their classic appearance and were produced at all four U.S. mints of the time. Collectors often seek:

1892 Barber half dollar (first year of issue): A must-have for collectors, marking the beginning of the Barber series.
1894-S Barber half dollar: One of the rarer dates, particularly sought after in higher grades.

Barber half dollars are valued for their simple yet enduring design, with certain rare dates fetching significant premiums.

Walking Liberty Half Dollars (1916–1947)

The Walking Liberty half dollars, designed by Adolph A. Weinman, are often considered one of the most beautiful U.S. coins. Notable coins in this series include:

1916 Walking Liberty half dollar (first year of issue): This coin is highly collectible due to its beautiful design and historical significance.
1941-S Walking Liberty half dollar: Known for its lower mintage, making it a key date for collectors.

These half dollars are prized for their artistic design and are highly collectible, especially in higher grades.

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Kennedy Half Dollars (1964–Present)

Introduced in 1964 to honor President John F. Kennedy, the Kennedy half dollars have been minted continuously since then. Significant Kennedy half dollars include:

1964 Kennedy half dollar (90% silver): The first year of issue and the last year of 90% silver half dollars.
1970-D Kennedy half dollar (40% silver): A low mintage year that is highly sought after by collectors.

Though still in circulation today, early silver issues and certain varieties can be valuable to collectors.

Additional Information for Coin Collectors

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Understanding mint marks, key dates, and the historical context of your half dollars is crucial for identifying valuable coins. At Coinfully, we provide expert appraisals to help you uncover the true value of your collection. For a free appraisal of any U.S. half dollars, reach out to us today.

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Ready to see how much your U.S. half dollars are worth? It’s easy to get started with Coinfully. Simply request a free appraisal, and our experts will handle the rest. With no obligation to sell, you have nothing to lose.

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Take the first step toward selling your silver coins by getting a free appraisal today. Our process is designed to be transparent, convenient, and stress-free, giving you the confidence to sell when you’re ready.

At Coinfully, we’re committed to helping you get the most for your silver coins—all from the comfort of your home.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I know I’m getting a fair price for my half dollars?

At Coinfully, we pride ourselves on transparency. Our appraisals are based on the current market value of your half dollars, including their silver content and numismatic value. We provide a detailed breakdown of how we determine your offer so that you can be fully informed and confident in the price you receive.

Is my shipment insured when I send my half dollars to Coinfully?

Yes, we provide full insurance coverage for your shipment. Whether you’re sending Flowing Hair half dollars, Walking Liberty half dollars, or Kennedy half dollars, your coins are insured throughout the entire shipping process, ensuring that your valuable items are protected and safe.

What types of half dollars does Coinfully buy?

We buy all types of U.S. half dollars, including Flowing Hair, Draped Bust, Capped Bust, Seated Liberty, Barber, Walking Liberty, Franklin, and Kennedy half dollars, and other collectible half dollars. Whether your half dollars are valuable for their silver content or their collectibility, we’re interested in making you a competitive offer.

What if I’m not ready to sell after receiving an appraisal?

There’s no obligation to sell your half dollars after receiving an appraisal from Coinfully. We provide a free, no-pressure appraisal service to help you understand the value of your coins. You can choose to sell when you’re ready, with no pressure from us.

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