Silver, Kennedy & Rare Half Dollars Worth Thousands – See If You Have One!

Half dollars have been an integral part of U.S. coinage since 1794. While often overlooked in favor of silver dollars or rare cents, certain half dollars are highly valuable due to their historical significance, silver content, and scarcity. Some rare specimens have sold for hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars at auctions.

From early Draped Bust half dollars to the 1964 Kennedy half dollar, collectors are willing to pay premium prices for certain variations and high-quality specimens. This article explores the most valuable half dollars, how to identify them, and what factors influence their worth.

1. Early Silver Half Dollars (1794–1915) – The Rarest and Most Valuable Coins

1796 and 1797 Draped Bust Half Dollars

Among the earliest U.S. half dollars, the 1796 and 1797 Draped Bust coins are exceptionally rare, with a total mintage of just 3,918 coins. These historic coins, featuring a small eagle on the reverse, can fetch between $32,500 and over $1.8 million depending on condition.

• Why is it valuable? Extremely low mintage and high collector demand.
• Notable sale: A 1797 Draped Bust Half Dollar sold for $1.68 million at a Heritage Auctions event.

1838-O Capped Bust Half Dollar

Minted in New Orleans, the 1838-O half dollar is another rare gem, with only about 20 known specimens in existence. One of these coins was sold at auction for between $365,000 and $850,000.

• Why is it valuable? First New Orleans-minted half dollar with extremely low surviving population.
• Current market price: Near-perfect specimens have sold for more than $500,000.

2. Kennedy Half Dollars (1964–Present) – The Most Iconic Collectible Coins

1964 Kennedy Half Dollar – 90% Silver Composition

Following President John F. Kennedy’s assassination in 1963, the U.S. Mint quickly released the Kennedy half dollar in 1964. These coins were made of 90% silver, making them a collector’s favorite. While common in circulation, certain variations are highly valuable.

• Accented Hair Variety: A rarer design variation with extra detail in Kennedy’s hair.
• Auction record: A high-grade 1964 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar sold for $156,000 in 2019.

1967 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar

Special Mint Set (SMS) coins were produced between 1965 and 1967 due to coin shortages. Some 1967 SMS Kennedy half dollars with exceptional “Ultra Cameo” finishes have sold for $31,200 in auctions.

• Key factor: Unique proof-like surfaces with high contrast.
• Market price range: $500 – $30,000 depending on grade.

3. Factors That Influence a Half Dollar’s Value

If you own old half dollars or want to start collecting, understanding what makes them valuable is crucial. Here are three major factors that determine a coin’s worth:

1. Rarity

• Coins with low mintage numbers or those with minting errors tend to be the most valuable.
• Example: The 1838-O half dollar is valuable due to only 20 known surviving specimens.

2. Condition (Grade Matters!)

• Coins are graded on the Sheldon Scale from 1 (Poor) to 70 (Perfect Mint State).
• Higher-grade coins command higher prices.

3. Silver Content

• Half dollars minted before 1971 contain silver, making them inherently more valuable.
• Example: The 1964 Kennedy half dollar is worth more due to its 90% silver content.

Conclusion: Is Your Half Dollar Valuable?

If you own half dollars, it’s worth checking their mint year, variety, and condition to determine if they hold significant value. Some of the rarest half dollars sell for hundreds of thousands, while even common silver coins can fetch a premium.

For serious collectors, professional coin grading services like NGC and PCGS offer authentication and grading services to verify a coin’s true value. If you’re interested in collecting or selling valuable half dollars, checking auction records, historical data, and grading trends is essential.

This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.