Here are some examples of rare and valuable half-dollar coins you might encounter in the US:
- The earliest US half dollars, these coins are among the rarest and most valuable.
- The 1797 issue with 15 stars is particularly scarce, with fewer than 250 believed to exist.
- Values for these coins can range from thousands to over $100,000 depending on condition.
- Considered one of the most beautiful US coins, the 1916-S issue with a mintage of only 508,000 is a sought-after rarity.
- In mint state, these coins can command prices well into five figures, with some exceeding $100,000.
- The 1919-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar is also very hard to find in higher grades, making it one of the rarest of this series.
- The 1838-O Capped Bust Half Dollar from the New Orleans Mint is an extremely rare coin, with only 20 specimens produced, mostly for presentation.
- Most known examples reside in museums or private collections, making them a numismatic unicorn.
- When they appear at auction, they can fetch prices well into six figures.
- The 1878-S issue, with a minuscule mintage of 12,000, is one of the rarest and most valuable in this series.
- Examples in mint state have sold for over $30,000.
- While many Franklin half dollars are affordable, certain key dates and varieties are highly valuable.
- The 1949-S is scarce in grades of MS-65 or higher.
- The 1955 issue had a low mintage and is more valuable in all grades.
- The 1955 “Bugs Bunny” variety, with a die clash making Franklin appear to have buck teeth, is also a collectible rarity.
- The [1961 Doubled Die Reverse Proof] is a scarce error variety.
- 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar (90% silver): These were the only regular-issue Kennedy half dollars made with 90% silver. They were quickly hoarded by the public, making pristine examples valuable.
- 1964 Proof “Accented Hair” Variety: These early strikes have more pronounced lines in Kennedy’s hair and are considered rare, selling for a significant premium over standard 1964 proofs.
- 1964 SMS (Special Mint Set): Only a dozen of these coins with a unique satin-like finish are known to exist, making them exceptionally rare and valuable, [according to YouTube].
- 1965-1970 Kennedy Half Dollars (40% silver): These are also collectible due to their silver content, but are less rare than the 1964 issues.
- 1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar: This coin was not released for general circulation but was only included in mint sets, making it a key date, especially in high grades.
- Error Coins: Doubled dies (e.g., 1964-D, 1974-D) and missing designer initials (e.g., “No FG” variety on some 1966 and 1972-D coins) are valuable errors to look for.
- Special Mint Sets (1965-1967): These sets contain coins with a special finish and are considered collectible.
- 1976 Bicentennial (1776-1976): These feature a special Independence Hall reverse design and were produced in both copper-nickel and 40% silver compositions, with the silver versions included only in special collector sets.
- 1979-S and 1981-S Proof Issues: These exist in two types (Type 1 with a filled S mint mark and Type 2 with a clear S mint mark), with the Type 2 usually selling for more.
- 1998-S Matte Proof: Issued as part of a special set, it has a unique finish and low mintage, making it highly collectible.
Note: The value of a coin is heavily dependent on its condition, rarity, and market demand. Always consult with a reputable coin dealer or use official grading services like PCGS or NGC for accurate valuations.
How to tell if a half dollar coin is rare?
Although the standard coin itself can hold value, you can identify rarer versions of this coin by looking at the design. Coins with known and documented errors, like changes in the former president’s hair, can be worth even more.