12 Most Valuable Half Dollars Round-Up List (1797 Draped Bust Half Dollar Was Sold in 2015 for $1,527,500)

The Half Dollar‘s Evolving Designs and Growing Value

Half dollars may not turn up in your pocket change very often these days, but these large silver coins have a long and fascinating history in American currency. First struck in 1794, the half dollar has gone through many transformations in design over the centuries. And while intended for common circulation, some rare half dollars from the early years of the U.S. Mint are now worth a fortune to collectors.

What makes a half dollar particularly valuable? It comes down to a combination of factors – the year it was struck, the mintage (how many were produced), the condition or grade, the presence of rare design variations or errors, and sometimes the mint mark indicating which branch of the U.S. Mint created it.

Generally, the earliest half dollars from the 1790s and early 1800s are the most valuable, especially in higher uncirculated grades. There are also some notably rare variations that serious collectors get very excited about, like the 1853-O No Arrows Seated Liberty half dollar.

Let‘s dive into the 12 most valuable half dollars and see what makes these coins so desirable and expensive. Then we‘ll discuss how you can evaluate any old half dollars of your own.

The 12 Most Valuable Half Dollars

1. 1797 Draped Bust Half Dollar
   Sold for: $1,527,500 in 2015
   This Draped Bust half dollar from 1797 tops the list, having sold for over $1.5 million in 2015. It was struck at the Philadelphia Mint and had an extremely low mintage of just 2,984 coins. The Mint was still in its infancy, and half dollar production was low in this era. This particular coin was graded MS-66 by PCGS, an exceptionally high grade for a coin of this age. Its pristine, untouched condition and intense rarity make it extremely desirable.

2. 1796 Draped Bust Half Dollar (16 Stars Variant)
   Sold for: $822,500 in 2015
   Here‘s another Draped Bust half dollar, this one notable for having 16 stars on the obverse. It‘s a rare variant, as most 1796 half dollars display 15 stars. This coin sold for $822,500 in 2015. Again, its extraordinary condition (PCGS MS-66) and rare variety make it extremely valuable.

3. 1794 Flowing Hair Half Dollar
   Sold for: $763,750 in 2015
   From the first year half dollars were issued, this 1794 Flowing Hair represents the very beginning of U.S. half dollar coinage. Designed by Robert Scot, it features a bust of Liberty with free-flowing hair on the obverse. Only around 5,300 half dollars in total were struck in 1794, making all examples desirable. This coin, graded MS-64 by PCGS, sold for over $763,000 in 2015.

4. 1838-O Capped Bust Half Dollar
   Sold for: $763,750 in 2014
   The 1838-O is a extremely rare half dollar, with only around 20 examples known to exist. The "O" mintmark on the reverse indicates it was struck at the then-new branch mint in New Orleans. At the time, the New Orleans Mint was just beginning operations and hadn‘t yet received special dies with the "O" mintmark. So very few half dollars with this mintmark were produced in 1838 before new dies arrived. This coin, graded Specimen-64, sold for over $763,000 in 2014.

5. 1796 Draped Bust Half Dollar (15 Stars)
   Sold for: $587,500 in 2015
   Here‘s the 15 stars variant of the 1796 Draped Bust half dollar (the previous coin on this list featured the rarer 16 stars variant). Still an exceptionally valuable coin due to its age, rarity, and condition (MS-64), it commanded $587,500 at auction in 2015.

6. 1853-O Seated Liberty Half Dollar (No Arrows)
   Sold for: $517,000 in 2017
   In 1853, the weight of silver half dollars was reduced, so the U.S. Mint added arrow symbols on either side of the date to indicate the change. However, a few 1853 half dollars were mistakenly struck at the New Orleans Mint using the old "No Arrows" dies intended for the heavier coins. Very few examples of this error are known today. One, graded AU-58, sold for $517,000 in 2017, testifying to the rarity and desirability of this unusual variant.

7. 1817/4 Capped Bust Half Dollar (Overdate Error)
   Sold for: $356,500 in 2009
   Overdates occurred when die makers punched a new date over an older date on a working die. On this 1817 half dollar, traces of the "4" from 1814 can be seen under the "7". It‘s a striking and popular error variety. This coin, graded MS-66, sold for over $356,000 in 2009.

8. 1839-O Capped Bust Half Dollar Proof
   Sold for: $373,750 in 2008
   Proof coins are special presentation pieces struck with polished dies on polished planchets. In the early days of the U.S. Mint, proofs weren‘t struck every year and are extremely rare. This is the only known 1839-O half dollar (New Orleans Mint) in proof format, graded Specimen-64, making it immensely desirable. It sold for nearly $375,000 in 2008.

9. 1802 Draped Bust Half Dollar
   Sold for: $117,500 in 2015
   This 1802 Draped Bust half dollar had a mintage of 29,890, which was actually a fairly high number for this early period. However, gem uncirculated examples like this one, graded MS-65 by PCGS, are incredibly rare today. Most entered circulation and wore down over time, so a coin like this with pristine surfaces commands big money from collectors.

10. 1801 Draped Bust Half Dollar
    Sold for: $329,000 in 2013
    1801 was another year of relatively high half dollar production with over 30,000 struck. However, gem examples are extremely elusive, like this coin graded MS-66 by PCGS. The exceptional preservation and eye appeal of this piece drove fierce bidding, resulting in a $329,000 sale in 2013.

11. 1921 Walking Liberty Half Dollar
    Sold for: $60,500 in 1990
    The Walking Liberty series, struck between 1916 and 1947, is considered one of the most beautiful American coin designs. The 1921 is the the key date of the series with a mintage of only 246,000. High grade examples are especially valuable to collectors. This 1921 half dollar graded MS-65 sold for $60,500 back in 1990, a record at the time and still a substantial sum for a 20th century issue.

12. 1795 Flowing Hair Half Dollar (Two Leaves Variety)
    Sold for: $411,250 in 2015
    1795 was the second year of the Flowing Hair half dollar series. Several varieties were produced with differing numbers of berries and leaves on the reverse wreath. This "two leaves" variety is especially scarce and desirable. The coin offered here, graded MS-65 by PCGS, displays exceptional strike and surface quality for an early half dollar. It realized $411,250 in a 2015 auction.

Key Factors Determining a Half Dollar‘s Value

What makes one half dollar worth face value while another sells for over a million dollars? As you can see from the coins profiled above, the main factors that determine value are:

1. Rarity – Coins with very low mintages are more desirable than those struck in high quantities. Given equal condition and demand, a scarce coin will always be worth more than a common one.

2. Age – In general, the earliest half dollars from the 1790s and early 1800s are the most valuable. These represent the early days of the U.S. Mint and were struck in very limited quantities compared to later issues.

3. Condition – The condition or grade makes a huge difference in value. A half dollar in worn condition may be worth only a small premium over face value. The same coin in pristine, uncirculated condition could be worth thousands or even millions. Professionally graded coins are judged on a 70-point scale, with 70 being absolute perfection.

4. Mint Marks – In the mid-19th century, the U.S. Mint opened several branch mints to serve the monetary needs of a rapidly expanding nation. Coins from certain mints like Carson City, Nevada (CC mintmark) and New Orleans (O mintmark) are scarcer and often more desirable to collectors than Philadelphia issues.

5. Varieties and Errors – Unusual varieties and errors can make a half dollar especially sought-after. Overdates, misplaced mint marks, and die variations can all transform a regular-issue coin into a rare prize. But such errors must be authenticated by experts to have value.

Tracing the Half Dollar‘s Journey

The half dollar has showcased many iconic designs over the past 225+ years. Here‘s a quick overview of the major types:

Flowing Hair Half Dollar (1794-1795) – The first half dollar type, featuring a youthful portrait of Liberty with untamed flowing hair. Designed by Robert Scot.

Draped Bust Half Dollar (1796-1807) – Liberty now has a more refined look, with hair bound by a ribbon and drapery across her bust. The reverse features a small eagle.

Capped Bust Half Dollar (1807-1839) – Liberty faces left wearing a cap and an updated eagle appears on the reverse. John Reich‘s design would become an enduring classic.

Seated Liberty Half Dollar (1839-1891) – Christian Gobrecht‘s Seated Liberty design dominated the latter half of the 19th century, depicting Liberty seated on a rock holding a Liberty pole and shield.

Barber Half Dollar (1892-1915) – Charles E. Barber‘s neo-classical Liberty head design graced half dollars at the turn of the 20th century.

Walking Liberty Half Dollar (1916-1947) – Adolph A. Weinman‘s acclaimed design shows a full-length Liberty striding toward the dawn of a new day, one of the most beautiful motifs in American coinage.

Franklin Half Dollar (1948-1963) – Benjamin Franklin‘s portrait replaces Liberty for the first time, part of a broader shift toward depicting real historical figures on U.S. coins.

Kennedy Half Dollar (1964-Present) – Following President John F. Kennedy‘s assassination in 1963, Congress swiftly approved a new half dollar bearing his likeness. It remains the current design.

Tips For Collectors

Have any old half dollars lying around? It‘s a good idea to examine them closely, as you never know when you might have a valuable rarity!

While well-worn common date coins likely aren‘t worth a ton, be on the lookout for the key dates and varieties mentioned above. An early 19th century half dollar or a coin with an unusual error could be very valuable, especially in uncirculated condition.

If you believe you have a rare half dollar, it‘s best to have it authenticated and graded by a reputable third-party grading service like PCGS or NGC. They will objectively assess your coin‘s authenticity and grade, which is essential for determining fair market value.

Half dollars have a storied numismatic legacy, and collecting them can be both exciting and rewarding. Whether you‘re drawn to pristine early issues or more affordable 20th century pieces, there‘s a half dollar out there for every collector‘s taste and budget. Learning to cherrypick valuable varieties from ordinary pocket change is one of the great thrills of the hobby.

With some knowledge and persistence, you just might find a rare half dollar treasure of your own! And even if you don‘t discover a million-dollar rarity, half dollars still make fascinating and historically significant collectibles. Happy hunting!