The 12 Rarest and Most Valuable Half Dollars Ever

The world of coin collecting is filled with fascinating stories, especially when it comes to half dollars. Some of these coins have become incredibly rare and valuable over time. Collectors search for these half dollars to complete their collections and to invest in a piece of history. These coins often reflect important moments in American culture and history. Exploring the rarest and most valuable half dollars opens the door to understanding their significance.

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1919-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar

The 1919-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar is made of 90 percent silver and 10 percent copper. It is rare due to the lower mintage and the wear it often faces due to its age. This coin is valuable because it is a highly sought-after edition for collectors, particularly in higher grades. The current market value for a well-preserved 1919-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar can range between $50 and $150.

This coin features a detailed design by Adolph A. Weinman and was minted at the Denver mint. The 1919-D is considered one of the key dates in the Walking Liberty series. Many of these coins show significant wear, making those in better condition especially valuable. The demand for high-quality examples of this coin continues to drive up its value.

1878-S Seated Liberty Half Dollar

The 1878-S Seated Liberty Half Dollar is composed of 90 percent silver and 10 percent copper. It is rare due to the low mintage and the tendency of these coins to be worn down over time, making high-grade examples highly prized. The coin can be valued between $100 and $300, depending on its condition and rarity in the market. Collectors especially seek coins in uncirculated or high-grade conditions, which significantly increase the price.

The Seated Liberty design, created by Christian Gobrecht, was used for over 50 years, and the 1878-S mintmark represents coins produced in San Francisco. This coin is significant because it marks a transitional period in American coinage history. It is a highly collectible item, especially for those specializing in the Seated Liberty series. Condition and scarcity are major factors influencing the coin’s value in today’s market.

1796 15 Stars Draped Bust Half Dollar

The 1796 15 Stars Draped Bust Half Dollar is made from 89.2 percent silver and 10.8 percent copper. It is rare due to its limited mintage, as only a few thousand were struck that year, and the design was quickly changed in 1797. This coin can be worth anywhere between $30,000 and $100,000, depending on its condition and authenticity. Its value is significantly increased by the fact that only a small number of these coins remain in good condition.

The 15 stars on the obverse symbolize the 15 states in the Union at the time, making it a historically significant coin. The Draped Bust design, created by Robert Scot, represents one of the first truly iconic images on U.S. coinage. The rarity of this coin is primarily due to the fact that so few were made and that many of them were lost to time or wear. This coin remains a highly coveted piece for serious collectors of early U.S. coinage.

1872-CC Liberty Seated Half Dollar

The 1872-CC Liberty Seated Half Dollar is made from 90 percent silver and 10 percent copper. It is rare due to its minting at the Carson City Mint, which had a reputation for producing fewer coins compared to other mints. The coin’s value is typically around $1,000 to $2,500, with well-preserved examples fetching even higher prices. The scarcity of this coin, combined with its Carson City mintmark, makes it especially sought after by collectors.

The 1872-CC is part of the Seated Liberty series, which features the elegant design by Christian Gobrecht. This coin is often found in lower grades due to its extensive circulation, which contributes to its rarity. As a result, collectors are willing to pay a premium for examples in higher grades or with limited wear. Its historical significance and rarity make it a valuable piece for U.S. coin collectors.

1838-O Capped Bust Half Dollar

The 1838-O Capped Bust Half Dollar is made of 89.2 percent silver and 10.8 percent copper. It is rare due to the fact that it was one of the first coins minted at the New Orleans Mint, making it a key issue for collectors of early U.S. coinage. The coin’s value typically ranges from $500 to $2,000, depending on its grade and condition. Those in exceptional condition can be worth even more due to the scarcity of high-quality examples.

The 1838-O coin marks an important year in U.S. minting history, as it was the first year the New Orleans Mint produced half dollars. Its Capped Bust design, created by John Reich, features a detailed image of Liberty, which adds to its appeal. Due to the low mintage and high demand, this coin is especially valuable to collectors looking to complete their Bust series collection. It is an important piece for any serious coin collector.

1797 Draped Bust Half Dollar

The 1797 Draped Bust Half Dollar is made from 89.2 percent silver and 10.8 percent copper. It is rare because it was minted in limited quantities, and only a small number remain in good condition due to wear and time. This coin can fetch between $15,000 and $50,000, with prices varying based on its grade and market conditions. The rarity and historical importance of this coin make it highly sought after by serious collectors.

The Draped Bust design, created by Robert Scot, was one of the first major U.S. coin designs, making this coin particularly valuable. It features a portrait of Lady Liberty, symbolizing the early days of the United States. The 1797 coin is notable for its distinctive design and low mintage, making it a treasure for any U.S. coin enthusiast. Its historical significance adds to its allure, contributing to its high market value.

1921-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar

The 1921-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar is composed of 90 percent silver and 10 percent copper. This coin is rare due to its limited mintage in San Francisco and the large number that were worn out through circulation. The value of the 1921-S coin can range from $250 to over $1,000, with those in higher grades or with fewer flaws being more valuable. Its rarity and the quality of preservation play significant roles in determining its price.

The coin features the iconic Walking Liberty design, created by Adolph A. Weinman, which has become one of the most admired designs in American coinage. The 1921-S was minted during a transitional period in U.S. coinage history, which adds to its allure for collectors. Despite its lower mintage, many examples of the 1921-S coin were heavily circulated, which is why high-quality specimens are so valuable. It is a favorite among those collecting Walking Liberty coins.

1870-CC Liberty Seated Half Dollar

The 1870-CC Liberty Seated Half Dollar is made from 90 percent silver and 10 percent copper. It is rare due to its mintage at the Carson City Mint, which produced fewer coins than other mints, making it particularly valuable. The value of this coin can range from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on its condition. Coins in higher grades or with less wear can fetch even higher prices in the market.

This coin features the Liberty Seated design by Christian Gobrecht, which was used for several decades. The 1870-CC is considered a key date in the Seated Liberty series due to its low mintage at the Carson City Mint. This coin’s rarity, combined with its historical significance, makes it highly collectible. It is one of the most valuable coins from the Seated Liberty series.

1796 16 Stars Draped Bust Half Dollar

The 1796 16 Stars Draped Bust Half Dollar is made from 89.2 percent silver and 10.8 percent copper. It is rare due to its limited mintage and the historical significance of the 16 stars representing the 16 states in the Union at the time. This coin can fetch anywhere between $30,000 and $100,000, depending on its grade and condition. The scarcity of this coin and its early date make it a highly valuable piece in U.S. numismatics.

The Draped Bust design by Robert Scot was one of the first major U.S. coin designs and features Lady Liberty on the obverse. This particular coin is highly sought after because of the low mintage and historical context. The 1796 16 Stars Draped Bust Half Dollar is one of the most prized coins in U.S. history. Its rarity, age, and unique design make it a top collector’s item.

1916-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar

The 1916-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar is made from 90 percent silver and 10 percent copper. It is rare due to its low mintage in San Francisco, and its value is enhanced by the demand from collectors. The coin typically ranges in value from $100 to $500, with higher-quality examples reaching even greater prices. The 1916-S is especially valued in higher grades, which are harder to find.

The Walking Liberty design by Adolph A. Weinman is one of the most recognized and beloved coin designs in U.S. history. This particular coin is significant because of its key role in the Walking Liberty series, which was produced until the 1940s. Its rarity, combined with the beautiful design, makes it a must-have for many collectors. It is a valuable and highly sought-after coin.

1817-4 Capped Bust Half Dollar

The 1817-4 Capped Bust Half Dollar is made from 89.2 percent silver and 10.8 percent copper. This coin is rare due to the overdate, where the 1817 was stamped over the 1814, making it a unique variety. Its value can range from $2,000 to $6,000, with higher grades pushing the price even higher. The overdate feature makes it a rare and highly collectible coin for numismatists.

The Capped Bust design, created by John Reich, features a profile of Lady Liberty wearing a cap, which was a popular symbol at the time. This particular coin is significant because it is an overdate issue, adding to its rarity and value. The 1817-4 Capped Bust Half Dollar remains an important piece for collectors, particularly those focusing on early U.S. coins. Its distinct feature and rarity make it highly sought after.

1936 Elgin Half Dollar

The 1936 Elgin Half Dollar is a commemorative coin made of 90 percent silver and 10 percent copper. It is rare due to its limited mintage and because it was issued to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Elgin, Illinois. The coin in NGC MS66 grade can be worth between $300 and $500, with higher grades commanding more. The Elgin Half Dollar is especially valuable for collectors of commemorative U.S. coins.

This coin features a detailed design celebrating the history of Elgin, including images of the city’s founders and important landmarks. The 1936 Elgin Half Dollar is highly regarded due to its historical significance and the beautiful craftsmanship of its design. It is a popular coin among collectors who specialize in 20th-century commemorative issues. Its relatively small mintage and significance add to its value and appeal.

As demand continues to grow for high-quality, scarce coins, their value remains strong in the market. Whether for investment or historical interest, these coins are a worthwhile addition to any collection.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.