Most Valuable Half Dollars: 15 Worth $100 to $1,000,000+

Why Half Dollars Are Collectors’ Favorites

The US half dollar is one of the most beautiful and historically significant coin denominations. Larger than a quarter but smaller than a silver dollar, half dollars offered designers a generous canvas for iconic artwork. Five major types have been produced: Bust halves (1794–1839), Seated Liberty (1839–1891), Barber (1892–1915), Walking Liberty (1916–1947), Franklin (1948–1963), and Kennedy (1964–present).

All half dollars minted before 1965 are 90% silver (containing 0.3617 troy ounces). Those from 1965 to 1970 are 40% silver. Post-1970 halves are copper-nickel clad with no silver content.

The 15 Most Valuable Half Dollars

1. 1797 Draped Bust Half Dollar — $50,000 to $1,500,000

With a mintage of only 3,918, this is one of the rarest US coins of any denomination. In Good-4, genuine examples sell for $50,000 to $80,000. In MS-65, a specimen sold for over $1,500,000 at auction.

2. 1838-O Capped Bust Half Dollar — $100,000 to $500,000

Only 20 examples are known from the first year of the New Orleans Mint. These were proof-like presentation pieces. In VF-20, expect $100,000 to $150,000. In MS-63, prices exceed $400,000.

3. 1916 Walking Liberty Half Dollar — $30 to $15,000

The first year of one of America’s most beautiful coin designs. The obverse design was later reused for the American Silver Eagle bullion coin. Mintage at Philadelphia was only 608,000. In Good-4: $30 to $50. In MS-65: $10,000 to $15,000.

4. 1921 Walking Liberty Half Dollar — $100 to $50,000

Both the 1921 and 1921-D are key dates with low mintages (246,000 and 208,000 respectively). In Good-4, the 1921 sells for $100 to $200. The 1921-D in MS-65 can bring $40,000 to $50,000.

5. 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar (Special Mint Proof) — $5 to $30,000

The first Kennedy half dollar, struck in 90% silver following JFK’s assassination. Most are worth $8 to $15 for silver content. However, specially struck proof-like business strikes and accented hair varieties in MS-67 or higher can bring $5,000 to $30,000.

6. 1892-O Barber Half Dollar (Micro O) — $500 to $25,000

A variety where the O mint mark is noticeably smaller than normal. In Good-4, the Micro O sells for $500 to $800. In MS-63, prices reach $15,000 to $25,000.

7. 1904-S Barber Half Dollar — $200 to $20,000

Mintage of 553,038 makes this a semi-key date. In Good-4: $200 to $300. In MS-64: $15,000 to $20,000. Finding one in high grade is extremely difficult.

8. 1917-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar (Obverse Mint Mark) — $15 to $15,000

In 1917, the San Francisco Mint produced halves with the mint mark on both the obverse and reverse. The obverse mint mark variety is scarcer. In Good-4: $15 to $25. In MS-65: $10,000 to $15,000.

9. 1955 Franklin Half Dollar (Bugs Bunny) — $10 to $500

A die clash error that transferred part of the Liberty Bell design onto Franklin’s face, creating what appears to be buck teeth. In MS-63: $50 to $100. In MS-66 Full Bell Lines: $300 to $500.

10. 1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar — $20 to $500

The last year of 40% silver Kennedy halves. Mintage was 2,150,000 — all were included in mint sets, none released into circulation. In MS-65: $100 to $200. In MS-67: $300 to $500.

11. 1795 Flowing Hair Half Dollar — $1,000 to $100,000

One of the first half dollars produced by the US Mint. In Good-4: $1,000 to $2,000. In MS-63: $50,000 to $100,000.

12. 1893-S Barber Half Dollar — $100 to $15,000

Mintage of 740,000 but low survival rate. In Good-4: $100 to $150. In MS-65: $10,000 to $15,000.

13. 1919-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar — $20 to $20,000

Low mintage of 1,165,000 and poor average condition make high-grade examples very scarce. In Good-4: $20 to $30. In MS-65: $15,000 to $20,000.

14. 1948 Franklin Half Dollar (First Year) — $8 to $500

The first year of the Franklin design. Common in low grades at $8 to $15. In MS-66 Full Bell Lines (FBL): $200 to $500. FBL designation requires the bottom lines of the Liberty Bell to be fully struck and unbroken.

15. 1974-D Kennedy Half Dollar (Doubled Die Obverse) — $25 to $500

A doubled die variety showing clear doubling on IN GOD WE TRUST and LIBERTY. In MS-63: $50 to $100. In MS-66: $300 to $500.

Silver Half Dollar Melt Values

Type	Years	Silver Content	Melt Value (approx.)
Barber, Walking Liberty, Franklin	1892–1964	90% (0.3617 oz)	$10–$12
Kennedy (silver)	1964	90% (0.3617 oz)	$10–$12
Kennedy (40% silver)	1965–1970	40% (0.1479 oz)	$4–$5
Kennedy (clad)	1971–present	0%	$0.50 (face value)

Tips for Evaluating Half Dollars

• Check the edge. Silver half dollars have a solid silver edge. Clad coins show a copper line. This is the fastest way to identify silver halves.
• Look for Full Bell Lines on Franklin halves. The FBL designation can double or triple the value. Check the lower lines of the Liberty Bell on the reverse.
• Know the key dates. 1916, 1921, and 1921-D Walking Liberty halves are always worth pulling. Any Barber half in readable condition is worth $8 to $15 minimum.
• Save all 1964 Kennedy halves. They are 90% silver and worth $10 or more regardless of condition.
• Check Kennedy halves from 1965–1970. These 40% silver coins are worth $4 to $5 for silver content.

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