Have you ever checked your pocket change and wondered if there might be a rare coin hiding in there? You might be surprised to know that some of the most valuable half dollar coins have been found in everyday circulation. Yep, we’re talking about coins that could be worth way more than fifty cents—sometimes even hundreds or thousands of dollars!
Why Are Some Half Dollars Valuable?
Not all half dollars are created equal. Some were minted in limited numbers, others have errors, and a few are made from silver. These things can make them super valuable to collectors. Think of coin collecting like treasure hunting—except the treasure might already be in your wallet!
Walking Liberty Half Dollars
If you ever spot a coin with Lady Liberty walking towards the sunrise, hang on to it! These coins were made between 1916 and 1947 and are often made of 90% silver. Even if they’re worn out, collectors still love them. They’re beautiful, old, and getting harder to find.
Franklin Half Dollars
Coins with Benjamin Franklin on them? Yup, those are special too. The Franklin half dollars were made from 1948 to 1963. Like the Walking Liberties, they’re mostly silver. Some versions, especially in great condition or with minting errors, can fetch a good price.
1964 Kennedy Half Dollars
After President Kennedy was assassinated, these special coins were minted in 1964. That year, they were made of 90% silver. Because of the silver content and historical value, they are highly sought after. If you find a shiny 1964 half dollar, don’t spend it—it could be worth ten times its face value or more.
1965–1970 Kennedy Half Dollars
These might look just like regular coins, but they’re secretly silver. They contain 40% silver, making them more valuable than later versions. Most people don’t even realize they’re special, which makes finding one feel like hitting the jackpot.
Bicentennial Half Dollars (1976)
These have a special design on the back showing Independence Hall. While many of them aren’t rare, some were made in silver sets and can be valuable. Look for a small “S” mint mark, which means it came from a silver proof set.
1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar
This one’s a sneaky gem. It wasn’t released for regular circulation—it only came in special sets. But every now and then, one turns up in pocket change. If you find one with a “D” mint mark from 1970, hold on tight!
1987 Kennedy Half Dollars
Another tricky one. These weren’t made for everyday use either. They were only put in special collector sets. But just like with the 1970-D, sometimes one escapes. If you spot one, it’s a keeper.
Half Dollars with Minting Errors
Some coins have little mistakes on them—maybe the image is off-center or a letter is missing. These error coins can be super rare and valuable. Think of them like misprinted baseball cards; the weirder they look, the more collectors might want them.
Proof Half Dollars in Circulation
Proof coins are made for collectors and usually stay in mint sets. But once in a while, one makes it out into the wild. They’re shinier and more detailed than regular coins. If you find one in your change, it’s like finding a rose in a field of weeds.
Coins with Low Mintages
Some years, the U.S. Mint just didn’t make that many half dollars. Fewer coins mean more value. If you get a coin from a rare year, especially in great condition, you might just be holding onto a hidden gem.
Keep an Eye on Your Change
Next time you get change from a store or clean out your couch cushions, take a closer look at those half dollars. They might not look like much, but some of them are worth way more than you’d expect. It’s a fun, easy way to try your luck—no digging or metal detector required.
Conclusion
You don’t need to be a serious collector to find valuable coins. Sometimes, all it takes is a curious eye and a little bit of luck. Those old half dollars jingling in your pocket or hiding in a coin jar could turn out to be tiny treasures. So go ahead, check your change—you never know what gem you might find.
FAQs
What makes a half dollar coin valuable?
Its age, silver content, mint errors, and rarity can all increase a half dollar’s value.
Can I still find silver half dollars in circulation?
Yes, though it’s rare, silver half dollars from 1964–1970 do sometimes pop up in everyday change.
How can I tell if a half dollar is made of silver?
Check the date—coins from 1964 are 90% silver, and 1965–1970 coins are 40% silver. Silver coins also have a different edge color.
Should I clean my old coins before selling them?
Nope! Cleaning can actually reduce a coin’s value. Collectors prefer coins in original condition.
Where can I sell valuable half dollars?
You can try coin shops, online auction sites, or coin shows. Just make sure to get your coin appraised first.