For most people, half-dollar coins are just another piece of pocket change. However, for coin collectors and numismatists, some of these coins can be worth a fortune.
One particular half-dollar recently sold for a staggering $1.5 million, setting a new record for these historic coins.
In this article, we’ll explore five of the most valuable half-dollar coins ever sold, highlighting their rarity and why they command such high prices.
1. 1797 Draped Bust Half Dollar – $1.5 Million
The 1797 Draped Bust Half Dollar is a numismatic treasure, not just for its age but for its extreme rarity. This coin, one of the earliest half-dollars minted in the United States, was recently sold for $1,527,500 at auction.
The coin’s high value comes from its low mintage numbers, historical significance, and demand among collectors. Only a handful of these coins still exist, making them one of the most sought-after half-dollars.
2. 1838-O Capped Bust Half Dollar – $763,750
The 1838-O Capped Bust Half Dollar was minted in New Orleans, and fewer than 20 proof specimens are believed to have survived. As a result, this coin is one of the rarest half-dollars in existence.
In a recent auction, one of these elusive coins sold for $763,750, highlighting its desirability among collectors. Coins minted in the early days of the U.S. Mint are particularly valuable, especially when they come from historically significant locations.
3. 1796 Draped Bust Half Dollar (16 Stars) – $822,500
Another Draped Bust Half Dollar, this 1796 version features 16 stars, representing the number of U.S. states at the time. This detail makes it historically significant, as subsequent versions of the coin had fewer stars.
The rarity of this variation led to an auction sale price of $822,500. Coins from the late 18th century are prized by collectors, particularly when they include unique design elements.
4. 1817/4 Capped Bust Half Dollar – $356,500
Errors and overdates can significantly impact a coin’s value. The 1817/4 Capped Bust Half Dollar features an overdate, meaning the ‘4’ in the date was stamped over a ‘7’.
This minting anomaly has made the coin highly collectible, and one sold for $356,500 at auction. Overdate coins are particularly appealing to numismatists because they represent a mistake in the minting process, adding an extra layer of intrigue.
5. 1964 Special Mint Set (SMS) Kennedy Half Dollar – $156,000
Not all valuable half-dollars are centuries old. The 1964 SMS Kennedy Half Dollar is a modern rarity, with only a few known to exist. Unlike standard 1964 Kennedy half-dollars, these were part of a special mint set with an enhanced finish and sharper details.
Because of their extreme rarity, one of these coins fetched $156,000 at auction. The Kennedy half-dollar remains one of the most collected U.S. coins, but the SMS versions are in a league of their own.
What Makes Half-Dollars So Valuable?
The value of a half-dollar coin is determined by several factors:
- Age & Rarity: The older and scarcer the coin, the higher its value.
- Historical Significance: Coins with unique designs or special historical context often fetch higher prices.
- Condition & Grading: Coins in better condition with minimal wear are worth more.
- Errors & Minting Anomalies: Coins with mistakes, like overdates or misprints, can be highly desirable to collectors.
Where to Check for Half-Dollar Coin Values
If you think you might have a valuable half-dollar, consider checking its worth through reputable sources:
- U.S. Mint (usmint.gov) – Official source for information on U.S. coins.
- Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) (pcgs.com) – Provides authentication and grading services.
- Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) (ngccoin.com) – Offers expert coin certification and grading.
- Coin Value Checker (coinvaluechecker.com) – Helps identify valuable coins in circulation.
Final Thoughts
Half-dollar coins are more than just spare change. As these record-breaking sales show, some of these coins can be worth hundreds of thousands—or even millions—of dollars.
Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or just someone curious about old coins, it’s always worth checking your collection. You never know—you might just have a $1.5 million coin sitting in your possession!
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
A senior at Yale-NUS College with interests in developmental and labour economics, as well as creative non-fiction and poetry. Currently, I’m studying as an Economics major and an Arts and Humanities minor (focusing on Creative Writing) with heavy involvement in the Singaporean journalism scene and involved in research on economic history and educational policy. I’m working as an author for The Octant, Yale-NUS’ student publication, as a writer for Wingspan, Yale-NUS’ alumni magazine, and as a tutor for the NUS Libraries Writer’s Centre. | Linkedin