With a denomination of 50 cents, US Half Dollars have played a critical role in American coinage since their introduction in 1794. From the early Flowing Hair design to the more modern Kennedy half dollar, these coins have been widely circulated and collected for over two centuries. Though maybe not as popular as some silver dollars, like the Morgan Dollar or Peace Dollar, Half Dollars are still immensely popular among collectors and investors. Each series of half dollars reflects the artistry, politics, and historical events of its time, making them not only valuable in terms of their precious metal content but also significant cultural artifacts.
Half dollars are especially popular among collectors due to their size, historical relevance, and the variety of designs produced over the years. From early silver issues to modern clad coins, the U.S. half dollar has evolved significantly. In this guide, we will explore the various types of U.S. half dollars, their history, key dates, and how collectors approach them.
Silver Half Dollar Guide and Values
– Flowing Hair Half Dollar (1794-1795)
– Draped Bust Half Dollar (1796–1807)
– Capped Bust Half Dollar (1807–1839)
– Seated Liberty Half Dollar (1839-1891)
– Barber Half Dollar (1892-1915)
– Walking Liberty Half Dollar (1916-1947)
– Franklin Half Dollar (1948-1963)
– Kennedy Half Dollar (1964-Present)
Flowing Hair Half Dollar (1794-1795)
The Flowing Hair Half Dollar was the first official half dollar struck by the U.S. Mint and was released at the same time as the Flowing Hair Dollar. This coin, designed by Robert Scot, featured a profile of Liberty with flowing hair on the obverse, while the reverse depicted an eagle. These coins were minted for just two years, 1794 and 1795, and are incredibly rare today.
The Flowing Hair design was based on European neoclassical art and was meant to symbolize freedom. However, due to public dissatisfaction with the design, it was quickly replaced by the Draped Bust design in 1796. Collectors highly prize Flowing Hair Half Dollars for their historical significance and rarity, with well-preserved examples commanding substantial prices.
Draped Bust Half Dollar (1796-1807)
Following the brief run of the Flowing Hair design, the Draped Bust Half Dollar was introduced in 1796. The obverse of this coin featured Liberty with flowing hair and a draped bust, designed by Robert Scot, while the reverse continued to feature an eagle. The early versions of the Draped Bust half dollar had a small eagle on the reverse, which was later replaced by a heraldic eagle in 1801.
The Draped Bust series is important to collectors because it represents the first sustained production of half dollars in U.S. history. These coins are relatively scarce today, especially the earlier years with the small eagle design. Draped Bust Half Dollars are sought after for their connection to early American history and their elegant, neoclassical design.
Capped Bust Half Dollar (1807-1839)
The Capped Bust Half Dollar, designed by John Reich, was introduced in 1807 and remained in production until 1839. The obverse features Liberty wearing a cap, while the reverse shows a more detailed depiction of an eagle. The Capped Bust Half Dollar underwent several modifications during its production, particularly in 1836 when the mint switched from hand-engraved dies to steam-powered presses.
These coins are widely available to collectors, as they were produced in large quantities during the early 19th century. The design represents a shift in American coinage toward more refined and mechanically produced coins. Capped Bust Half Dollars are notable for their detailed design, historical context, and the transition to modern minting techniques.
Seated Liberty Half Dollar (1839-1891)
The Seated Liberty Half Dollar, designed by Christian Gobrecht, was minted from 1839 to 1891. This design featured Liberty seated on a rock, holding a shield and a staff, symbolizing freedom and strength. The reverse of the coin showed an eagle with outstretched wings, clutching an olive branch and arrows.
During its long production run, the Seated Liberty Half Dollar underwent several modifications. In 1866, the motto “In God We Trust” was added above the eagle on the reverse, following the Civil War. This series is a favorite among collectors due to the many varieties and subtypes that were produced, including coins with different mintmarks and design alterations.
Seated Liberty Half Dollars were minted in Philadelphia, New Orleans, San Francisco, and Carson City. Coins from the Carson City Mint are particularly desirable due to their lower mintages and connection to the famous silver boom in Nevada.
Barber Half Dollar (1892-1915)
The Barber Half Dollar, named after its designer Charles E. Barber, was introduced in 1892 and struck until 1915. The obverse features a portrait of Liberty wearing a cap and a laurel wreath, while the reverse shows a heraldic eagle. This design was used across multiple U.S. coin denominations, including dimes and quarters, during the same period.
The Barber Half Dollar was minted in large quantities, but higher-grade examples are becoming increasingly difficult to find. Key dates for this series include the 1892-O, 1892-S, and 1915 coins, which are highly sought after by collectors. Barber Half Dollars represent a bridge between the older Seated Liberty design and the more modern half dollars that followed.
Walking Liberty Half Dollar (1916-1947)
The Walking Liberty Half Dollar, designed by Adolph A. Weinman, is considered one of the most beautiful coins ever produced by the U.S. Mint. The obverse features Liberty striding toward the rising sun, while the reverse depicts a majestic eagle perched on a mountain. This coin, struck from 1916 to 1947, is beloved by collectors for its artistry and its connection to a transformative period in American history.
The Walking Liberty design was so well-regarded that it was later revived for the American Silver Eagle bullion coin, which is still minted today. Collectors prize Walking Liberty Half Dollars for their aesthetic appeal, with higher-grade coins commanding significant premiums. Key dates include the 1921 and 1938-D coins, which are among the rarest in the series.
Franklin Half Dollar (1948-1963)
The Franklin Half Dollar, introduced in 1948, was a departure from previous designs in that it featured a historical figure, Benjamin Franklin, on the obverse. Designed by John R. Sinnock, the coin’s reverse depicts the Liberty Bell, with a small eagle to the side to comply with federal law.
Franklin Half Dollars are relatively easy to collect due to their short production run and widespread availability. However, collectors seek out coins with Full Bell Lines (FBL), a designation for coins with fully struck lines across the Liberty Bell, which are more valuable. The 1949-S and 1955 issues are key dates in the series.
Kennedy Half Dollar (1964-Present)
The Kennedy Half Dollar was introduced in 1964, just months after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Designed by Gilroy Roberts and Frank Gasparro, the coin features a portrait of Kennedy on the obverse, while the reverse shows the presidential seal. The coin was initially struck in 90% silver, but the composition was changed to a 40% silver-clad alloy in 1965 and eventually to a copper-nickel clad composition in 1971.
Kennedy Half Dollars remain in production today, though they are no longer widely circulated and are primarily minted for collectors. Early issues from 1964 and certain coins from 1966-1970 are valuable due to their silver content. Special editions, such as the 2014 50th Anniversary Kennedy Half Dollar, are also highly prized by collectors.
Key Dates and Varieties in U.S. Half Dollar Coinage
Throughout the history of U.S. half dollar coinage, several key dates and varieties stand out to collectors. These coins are often rare, have unique features, or were minted in low quantities, making them highly sought after. Here are a few notable examples:
- 1794 Flowing Hair Half Dollar: One of the first half dollars ever struck, these coins are incredibly rare and valuable.
- 1878-S Seated Liberty Half Dollar: A rare coin from the San Francisco Mint with a limited mintage.
- 1892-O Barber Half Dollar: One of the key dates in the Barber series, with a low mintage of just over 390,000.
- 1916 Walking Liberty Half Dollar: The first year of issue for this iconic design, highly sought after by collectors.
- 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar: The first year of the Kennedy Half Dollar, struck in 90% silver.
- 1969-D Kennedy Half Dollar: A 40% silver coin with a low mintage, making it a key date for collectors.
In addition to key dates, collectors also look for error coins, such as doubled dies, off-center strikes, and other minting anomalies. These errors can add significant value to a half dollar, particularly if they are well-preserved and clearly visible.
Collecting U.S. Half Dollar Coins
Collecting U.S. half dollar coins can be a rewarding and fascinating pursuit. With over two centuries of history, there is a wide range of designs, mintmarks, and varieties to explore. Collectors can focus on specific series, such as the Walking Liberty or Kennedy half dollars, or they can try to assemble a complete set of all U.S. half dollars ever minted.
When starting a collection, it’s important to consider factors such as condition, rarity, and historical significance. Coins that are well-preserved and have higher grades will typically be more valuable. Additionally, key dates and mintmarks should be a priority for collectors looking to build a valuable collection.
Buying U.S. Half Dollar Coins
If you’re interested in collecting U.S. half dollars, there are several ways to acquire these coins. Online auction platforms, such as Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers Galleries, frequently offer half dollars from various series in a range of conditions. Certified coins from trusted grading services like PCGS and NGC provide peace of mind regarding the authenticity and quality of the coin. You can also find them in abundance through online bullion dealers such as APMEX, JM Bullion and SD Bullion among others.
Coin shows, dealer shops, and online marketplaces are all excellent options for purchasing U.S. half dollars. Whether you’re looking for a specific key date or just starting your collection, it’s important to buy from reputable dealers to ensure you’re getting an authentic coin. Aside from collecting, many investors prefer to hoard silver half dollars due to their silver content and smaller size compared to the silver dollar, making them more divisible.
No matter your level of experience, collecting U.S. half dollars offers a rich journey through American history. From early designs like the Flowing Hair to modern Kennedy half dollars, each coin tells a unique story and represents an important piece of the nation’s past.