Top 13 Rare and Valuable Half Dollars: Half dollars have long been a staple of American coinage, with some rare and historic pieces becoming highly sought after by collectors. These coins not only represent significant moments in U.S. history but also showcase the artistry and craftsmanship of their time. Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or a budding collector, owning one of these rare half dollars can be a crowning achievement. In this article, we’ll explore the top 13 rare and valuable half dollars that every collector should consider adding to their collection.
Table of Contents
- 1 1794 Flowing Hair Half Dollar
- 2 1838-O Capped Bust Half Dollar
- 3 1796 Draped Bust Half Dollar
- 4 1815 Capped Bust Half Dollar
- 5 1836 Reeded Edge Capped Bust Half Dollar
- 6 1878-S Liberty Seated Half Dollar
- 7 1915-S Barber Half Dollar
- 8 1921-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar
- 9 1938-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar
- 10 1942/1-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar
- 11 1955 Franklin Half Dollar (Proof)
- 12 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar (Accented Hair)
- 13 1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar
- 14 What Makes These Half Dollars So Valuable?
- 15 Tips for Collectors
- 16 Table – Top 13 Rare and Valuable Half Dollars
- 17 FAQs:
1794 Flowing Hair Half Dollar
The 1794 Flowing Hair Half Dollar is one of the first half dollars ever minted in the United States. Designed by Robert Scot, it features a portrait of Liberty with flowing hair on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse. With a mintage of just 23,464, this coin is incredibly rare and valuable. In 2021, one sold for over $1.5 million at auction.
Also Read: The Top 10 Most Valuable Pennies Ever Minted in the U.S.
1838-O Capped Bust Half Dollar
The 1838-O Capped Bust Half Dollar is the first half dollar minted in New Orleans. It features a capped Liberty on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse. With a mintage of only 20,000, this coin is highly prized by collectors. In mint state, it can fetch prices exceeding $500,000.
1796 Draped Bust Half Dollar
The 1796 Draped Bust Half Dollar is another early American coin with a small eagle reverse. It has a mintage of just 3,918, making it one of the rarest half dollars in U.S. history. In high grades, this coin can sell for over $1 million.
1815 Capped Bust Half Dollar
The 1815 Capped Bust Half Dollar is a rare coin with a mintage of only 47,150. It was struck during a time of economic uncertainty, and few examples survive today. In mint state, this coin can command prices upwards of $250,000.
1836 Reeded Edge Capped Bust Half Dollar
The 1836 Reeded Edge Capped Bust Half Dollar marks the transition from lettered-edge coins to reeded-edge coins. It has a mintage of just 1,200, making it extremely rare. In high grades, this coin can sell for over $100,000.
1878-S Liberty Seated Half Dollar
The 1878-S Liberty Seated Half Dollar is a rare coin with a mintage of only 12,000. It was struck at the San Francisco Mint and is highly sought after by collectors. In mint state, this coin can fetch prices exceeding $50,000.
1915-S Barber Half Dollar
The 1915-S Barber Half Dollar is a key date in the Barber series, with a mintage of just 152,000. It was struck at the San Francisco Mint and is highly prized by collectors. In high grades, this coin can sell for over $30,000.
1921-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar
The 1921-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar is a rare coin with a mintage of only 208,000. It was struck at the Denver Mint and is highly sought after by collectors. In mint state, this coin can command prices upwards of $25,000.
1938-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar
The 1938-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar is another key date in the Walking Liberty series, with a mintage of just 491,600. It was struck at the Denver Mint and is highly prized by collectors. In high grades, this coin can sell for over $20,000.
1942/1-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar
The 1942/1-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar is a rare overdate error coin, where the 1942 date was struck over a 1941 die. This error occurred at the Denver Mint and is highly sought after by collectors. In mint state, this coin can fetch prices exceeding $15,000.
1955 Franklin Half Dollar (Proof)
The 1955 Franklin Half Dollar is a rare proof coin with a mintage of only 378,200. It features a portrait of Benjamin Franklin on the obverse and the Liberty Bell on the reverse. In high grades, this coin can sell for over $10,000.
Also Read: The Top 15 Most Valuable Rare Dimes Ever Minted
1964 Kennedy Half Dollar (Accented Hair)
The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar with Accented Hair is a rare variety of the first Kennedy half dollar. It features a more pronounced hair detail on JFK’s portrait. With a mintage of less than 100,000, this coin is highly prized by collectors. In mint state, it can command prices upwards of $10,000.
1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar
The 1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar is a rare coin with a mintage of only 2.1 million. It was struck at the Denver Mint and was not released into circulation, making it highly sought after by collectors. In high grades, this coin can sell for over $5,000.
What Makes These Half Dollars So Valuable?
Several factors contribute to the value of these rare half dollars:
- Low Mintage: Many of these coins were produced in limited quantities, making them inherently rare.
- Historical Significance: Early half dollars, such as the 1794 Flowing Hair Half Dollar, hold immense historical value as they represent the beginnings of U.S. coinage.
- Condition: Coins in mint state or with minimal wear are significantly more valuable.
- Demand: Popular series, such as the Walking Liberty and Franklin Half Dollars, have a strong collector base, driving up prices.
- Errors and Varieties: Coins with mint errors, like the 1942/1-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar, are highly prized for their uniqueness.
Tips for Collectors
If you’re interested in collecting rare half dollars, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Do Your Research: Learn about the history, mintage, and key dates of the series you’re interested in.
- Buy from Reputable Dealers: Ensure authenticity by purchasing from trusted sources.
- Focus on Condition: High-grade coins are more valuable and tend to appreciate over time.
- Be Patient: Building a collection of rare half dollars takes time and dedication.
Table – Top 13 Rare and Valuable Half Dollars
| Coin Name | Mint Location | Estimated Value | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1794 Flowing Hair Half Dollar | Philadelphia | $1.5 million+ | First U.S. half dollar minted |
| 1838-O Capped Bust Half Dollar | New Orleans | $500,000+ | First half dollar struck in New Orleans |
| 1796 Draped Bust Half Dollar | Philadelphia | $1 million+ | Extremely low mintage (3,918) |
| 1815 Capped Bust Half Dollar | Philadelphia | $250,000+ | Rare due to economic uncertainty |
| 1836 Reeded Edge Capped Bust Half Dollar | Philadelphia | $100,000+ | Transition from lettered to reeded edge |
| 1878-S Liberty Seated Half Dollar | San Francisco | $50,000+ | Low mintage of 12,000 |
| 1915-S Barber Half Dollar | San Francisco | $30,000+ | Key date with only 152,000 minted |
| 1921-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar | Denver | $25,000+ | Scarce with only 208,000 minted |
| 1938-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar | Denver | $20,000+ | Key date with 491,600 minted |
| 1942/1-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar | Denver | $15,000+ | Overdate error coin |
| 1955 Franklin Half Dollar (Proof) | Philadelphia | $10,000+ | Low mintage proof coin |
| 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar (Accented Hair) | Philadelphia | $10,000+ | Unique variety with detailed hair |
| 1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar | Denver | $5,000+ | Not released into circulation |
Rare half dollars are more than just pieces of metal; they are windows into history and works of art. From the legendary 1794 Flowing Hair Half Dollar to the iconic 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar with Accented Hair, these coins captivate collectors with their stories and scarcity. Whether you’re drawn to their historical significance or their potential for investment, rare half dollars offer a unique and rewarding collecting experience. As you embark on your numismatic journey, remember that every coin has a story waiting to be discovered. Who knows? You might just find a treasure in your collection.
FAQs:
What is the rarest half dollar?
The 1794 Flowing Hair Half Dollar is one of the rarest and most valuable.
Why are some half dollars worth so much?
Factors like low mintage, historical significance, mint errors, and high demand make them valuable.
How can I tell if my half dollar is valuable?
Check the year, mint mark, condition, and rarity using coin guides or professional grading services.
Where can I buy or sell rare half dollars?
Reputable coin dealers, auctions, and numismatic websites are the best places.
What is the most valuable Kennedy Half Dollar?
The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar (Accented Hair) is among the rarest and most valuable.
