Several rare and highly valuable half-dollars have left the collector’s world stunned, a few selling for more than $500,000 at auctions.
With a history spanning from 1794 to the present and numerous series in between, determining which half dollars are valuable and which traits to look for can be overwhelming.
Here, we will outline the various types of half dollars throughout history, highlighting their distinguishing features and value factors.
We’ll explore the eight types of half dollars and their unique features, along with factors influencing their value. Higher grades usually mean higher values in the coin market. Coins from the New Orleans Mint, marked with “O,” are especially sought after by collectors for their rarity.
1. Flowing Hair Half Dollar (1794–1795)
Authorized by the Coinage Act of 1792, the first half-dollar was struck in 1794, known as the Flowing Hair Half Dollar.
The coin features Liberty’s bust on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse encircled by a wreath.
One unique feature of this coin is that there is no denomination lettering/numbering on the reverse or obverse. Instead, the edge has the lettering “FIFTY CENTS OR HALF A DOLLAR.”
Only 23,464 examples were issued in 1794 and only 299,680 in 1795. From this population, you can tell that the 1794 Flowing Hair Half Dollars are scarcer and, hence more valuable.
Both coins were struck in Philadelphia and did not feature any mintmark. Of all half dollars, the Flowing Hair coins are the rarest and priciest.
Circulated 1795 half dollars range from $750 to $20,000, while uncirculated examples can fetch $45,000 to $675,000. 1794 half dollars vary from $3,000 to $70,000 circulated and $300,000 to $2,000,000 uncirculated.
Other factors that increase the coin’s value include:
- Variety – Only 1795 coins have varieties: Recut Date with 3 Leaves, Recut Date with 2 Leaves, Small Head, and A Over E in STATES. Each one significantly increases the coin’s value.
The highest sale record of this entire series, and all half-dollars in general, goes to an MS64-graded 1794 half dollar, that sold for $1,800,000 in 2023.
2. Draped Bust Half Dollar (1796–1807)
The Draped Bust half dollar features the same obverse design of Miss Liberty but with the inclusion of a drapery around her neckline, hence “Draped Bust.”
The obverse includes “LIBERTY” at the top, the date below, and stars representing the states. The reverse shows a wreath with “1/2” inscribed below it.
This type has two subtypes: Small Eagle (1796–1797) and Large Eagle (1801–1807), differing in the eagle’s size.
The scarcest are the 1796 issues, with only 934 coins minted. Among these, 569 have 15 stars on the obverse, while the rest have 16. These two are the second most expensive half-dollars in history, worth $500,000 – $1,820,000 in their highest grades.
Other factors affecting their value:
- Date: Small Eagle are the scarcest compared to Large Eagle subtypes.
- Variety: 1796-coin varieties (15 and 16 stars) are the priciest varieties, followed by 1803: Small 3, worth more than $165,000 in their finest grade.
The highest sale record goes to an MS64-graded 1796: 16 Stars Variety, sold in 2023 for $1,800,000 at Heritage.
3. Capped Bust Half Dollar (1807–1839)
Here, Miss Liberty on the obverse has a cap and the eagle on the reverse is perched on a branch.
There are three subtypes: Lettered Edge (1807 – 1836), Reeded Edge “50 CENTS” on Reverse (1836 – 1837), and Reeded Edge “HALF DOL.” on Reverse (1838 – 1839).
While these coins are abundant in average grades due to high mintages, they become scarce in higher grades, with the “HALF DOL.” subtype being the rarest.
The series is also known for its wide range of die varieties, appealing to die-type collectors. Priciest examples include coins with overdates, large & small lettering, and varying star sizes.
Other factors affecting their value:
- Proof: The earliest proof coins are said to be the 1838-O Proof half-dollars. About 20 were struck and the finest known is PR64 sold for $763,750 in 2014 at Heritage.
- Rarity: 1836 reeded edge coins were the least struck, with just 1,200 pieces.
4. Liberty Seated Half Dollar (1839–1891)
The obverse depicts Liberty seated on a rock, while the reverse features an eagle perched on a branch with “HALF DOL.” inscription below.
Although not as rare as earlier series, this series offers a variety of designs including those without drapery, with Arrow & Ray designs, with or without motto inscriptions, and some with motto & Arrow design on the date, adding to its design appeal.
Other factors affecting their value:
- Variety: 1853-O (No Arrows) is the most valuable, worth over $400,000 in the best grades. A close second is the 1855-S (Arrows), worth up to $210,000.
- Grade: Circulation coins are not rare but uncirculated ones are hard to find.
- No Drapery: The first iteration of the 1839 coins had Liberty without Drapery. This later changed in the year leading to a small number of coins with this design.
5. Barber Half Dollar (1892–1915)
Barber Half Dollars feature an obverse design depicting Miss Liberty’s bust adorned with a Phrygian cap and a wreath encircling her head.
Before the Barber Half Dollar series, the New Orleans Mint had limited production of half dollars. Collectors primarily focus on mint marks and dates when collecting this type, placing a higher value on coins with the “O” mint mark from New Orleans compared to other factors.
Other valuable factors:
- Date: Some dates are harder to find because of their mintage number and survival rate, some include 1892-O, 1892-S, 1893-S, 1897-O, 1897-S, 1914, and 1915.
- Variety: Several varieties are valuable, but the priciest is the 1892-O Micro O with a small size mint mark, worth up to $240,000.
6. Walking Liberty Half Dollar (1916–1947)
Minted from 1916 to 1947, these coins feature Miss Liberty on the obverse striding towards the sun while holding branches.
There are no extreme rarities in the entire series. The scarcest are coins before 1934, especially 1919 and 1921 coins, scarce due to lower mintage.
Main factors affecting their value:
- Grade: These coins are readily available except those in the highest superb uncirculated grades.
- Design: Collectors are fans of the design; the demand is constant and prices for uncirculated specimens are higher than $1,000.
7. Franklin Half Dollar (1948–1963)
The series features Benjamin Franklin’s bust on the obverse and the Liberty Bell on the reverse, marking the first half-dollar series without Miss Liberty.
These coins are plenty in all grades, from circulated to superb uncirculated. Improved coin striking during this period resulted in numerous high-grade varieties, which is appealing to type-set collectors seeking just any desired grade of each coin.
Main factors affecting their value:
- Grade: Coins with fully-struck bell lines on the Liberty Bell command the highest prices.
8. Kennedy Half Dollar (1964 to Date)
This is the latest series featuring JFK’s portrait on the obverse. It is generally the least valuable among half dollars. Initially collected for their novelty and in memory of JFK, their popularity has waned over time due to high production quantities.
Main factors affecting their value:
- Date: The 1964 coins were the last half dollars to contain 90% silver. They were also the first coins in the Kennedy half-dollar series. The combination of these factors makes 1964 half-dollars the priciest in the series, worth up to $26,500.
- Commemorative coins: In 2014, the Mint released gold (99.99% gold) and silver (90% silver) coins to mark the 50th anniversary of Kennedy Half Dollars.
Closing Thoughts
The most sought-after half dollars are from the Flowing Hair, Draped Bust, and Liberty Seated series, known for their rarity and high value. However, they’re difficult to acquire and often expensive for average collectors.
If you seek affordable investment options, consider Barber, Walking Liberty, and Franklin Half Dollars. Kennedy half dollars are the least valuable and should be avoided for investment.