11 Most Valuable Half Dollars Ever Found – Do You Own One?

Half dollars have long been a favorite among coin collectors due to their historical significance, unique designs, and the potential for rare and valuable finds. Some half dollars are worth thousands, even millions, due to their rarity, minting errors, or historical importance. This article explores the 11 most valuable half dollars ever discovered, along with insights into their origins, values, and what makes them so special.

Understanding Half Dollar Value

The value of a half dollar depends on several key factors:

• Rarity: Coins with limited mintage or historical importance tend to be more valuable.
• Condition: Coins in pristine condition (uncirculated or proof) command higher prices.
• Mint Marks: Certain mint marks indicate rare or limited-edition mintages.
• Errors & Variations: Misprints or unique flaws can significantly increase a coin’s value.

11 Most Valuable Half Dollars

1. 1794 Flowing Hair Half Dollar – $1,800,000+

• Key Features: One of the first half dollars ever minted in the U.S., featuring the famous Flowing Hair design.
• Why It’s Valuable: Extremely rare with very few in existence.

2. 1797 Draped Bust Half Dollar – $1,500,000

• Key Features: Features the small eagle reverse, one of the rarest early U.S. half dollars.
• Why It’s Valuable: Extremely low mintage; only a handful are known to exist.

3. 1838-O Capped Bust Half Dollar – $500,000+

• Key Features: The first branch mint half dollar, struck in New Orleans.
• Why It’s Valuable: Only a few specimens are known, making it highly sought after.

4. 1919-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar – $250,000+

• Key Features: Features the iconic Walking Liberty design, one of the most beautiful U.S. coin designs.
• Why It’s Valuable: Scarce in high grades due to weak strikes.

5. 1796 15 Stars Draped Bust Half Dollar – $400,000

• Key Features: Early U.S. half dollar with a unique star arrangement.
• Why It’s Valuable: Extremely limited mintage and historical significance.

6. 1796 16 Stars Draped Bust Half Dollar – $350,000

• Key Features: Features an extra star added to represent Tennessee’s statehood.
• Why It’s Valuable: Extremely rare due to low production numbers.

7. 1878-S Liberty Seated Half Dollar – $350,000

• Key Features: One of the rarest Liberty Seated half dollars.
• Why It’s Valuable: Very few were struck, and even fewer survived.

8. 1964 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar – $150,000+

• Key Features: A rare special strike with a unique satin finish.
• Why It’s Valuable: Limited known specimens make it highly collectible.

9. 1807 Bearded Goddess Capped Bust Half Dollar – $100,000+

• Key Features: A unique die error gives the goddess figure a “bearded” appearance.
• Why It’s Valuable: Unique errors like this increase demand among collectors.

10. 1921-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar – $85,000

• Key Features: One of the rarest Walking Liberty halves due to low production numbers.
• Why It’s Valuable: Hard to find in high grades due to circulation wear.

11. 1853-O Seated Liberty Half Dollar with Arrows – $75,000

• Key Features: Unique arrow design marks a weight adjustment in half dollar production.
• Why It’s Valuable: Scarce and highly sought after in high-grade conditions.

Table: Most Valuable Half Dollars & Their Key Details

Rank	Year	Coin Name	Estimated Value	Notable Feature
1	1794	Flowing Hair Half Dollar	$1,800,000+	First half dollar ever minted
2	1797	Draped Bust Half Dollar	$1,500,000	Small eagle reverse
3	1838-O	Capped Bust Half Dollar	$500,000+	First branch mint half dollar
4	1919-D	Walking Liberty Half Dollar	$250,000+	Rare in high grades
5	1796	15 Stars Draped Bust Half Dollar	$400,000	Unique star arrangement
6	1796	16 Stars Draped Bust Half Dollar	$350,000	Features an extra star
7	1878-S	Liberty Seated Half Dollar	$350,000	Extremely low mintage
8	1964	SMS Kennedy Half Dollar	$150,000+	Rare special strike
9	1807	Bearded Goddess Half Dollar	$100,000+	Unique die error
10	1921-S	Walking Liberty Half Dollar	$85,000	Rare and hard to find
11	1853-O	Seated Liberty Half Dollar	$75,000	Weight adjustment arrows

Conclusion

Half dollars have a rich history, and rare specimens can be worth a fortune. Whether inherited, found in circulation, or purchased from collectors, these coins hold immense historical and monetary value. If you believe you have one of these rare half dollars, consult a professional coin grader to verify its authenticity and condition. Investing in rare half dollars can be a lucrative endeavor, and as history has shown, values continue to rise over time.

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