The rarity of a 50 cent coin depends on several factors, including the country of origin, the year it was minted, the number of coins produced (mintage figures), and its condition.
In Australia, for instance, a couple of 50-cent coins can be considered rare:
- 1966 Round 50 Cent Coin: This coin is composed of 80% silver and 20% copper. Its mintage figure of 36.45 million, although not extremely low for a circulating coin, coupled with the increasing price of silver at the time, led to its withdrawal from circulation as its bullion value surpassed its face value. This makes them less common to encounter today.
- 1991 Ram’s Head 50 Cent Coin: Released to commemorate 25 years since the changeover to decimal currency, a relatively low mintage of 4.7 million makes this coin scarce for a circulating coin.
In the US, half-dollar coins (50 cent coins) are legal tender, but they are not frequently used in daily transactions, making some of them desirable among collectors, according to Coinappraiser.com.
However, the value of old silver 50-cent coins minted after 1891 can be influenced by their silver content, where a coin with a good condition and rare year and mint mark may be valued based on collector value rather than silver value.
Early US half dollars, such as the 1796 and 1797 Draped Bust Half Dollars, are considered among the rarest half dollars due to low mintage figures and limited survival rates.
While not all 50 cent coins are rare, some specific years or commemorative issues, particularly those with low mintage figures or composed of valuable metals like silver, can be considered rare and valuable to collectors.
Therefore, it’s worth checking the year and any special features of your 50 cent coins, as some might hold a value higher than their face value.
How to tell if your 50 cent coin is rare?
Great question! Check the Date and Mint Mark: The year your coin was made and where it was minted can greatly affect its value. …
Examine the Condition: Coins in better condition are usually worth more.
Are $0.50 coins worth anything?
It is rare to see a half dollar in circulation today (not that the coins themselves are rare). It is worth mentioning that all circulation strike Kennedy half dollars from 1971 and later are just worth their face value of 50 cents.
What 50 cent coin is rare?
I can help with that. The 1966 Round 50 Cent Coin is a unique piece of Australian currency sought after by collectors for a few reasons. Product Description: Minted in 1966 only.
How much is a 1776 to 1976 50 cent coin worth?
According to the NGC Price Guide, as of August 2025, a Kennedy Half Dollar from 1776-1976 S in circulated condition is worth between $5.75 and $6.25. However, on the open market 1776-1976 S SILVER Half Dollars in pristine, uncirculated condition sell for as much as $12500.