Half Dollar Coin

Half Dollar Coins

The United States Half Dollar coin holds a unique place in the nation’s rich and diverse history, with a heritage that spans over two centuries. Since its inception in 1794, this coin has played a significant role in facilitating commerce and representing the evolving face of the United States. Its journey through time is marked by various transformations in design, composition, and minting techniques, reflecting the nation’s growth and the development of its currency system.

The original design of the half-dollar coin featured a bust of Liberty on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse. This iconic design, embodying liberty and national pride, set the tone for a coin that would become a cherished part of American numismatic history. However, over the years, the coin’s obverse has seen various renditions of Lady Liberty, each portraying her in a distinctive and artistic manner. These depictions symbolize the evolving ideals and aspirations of the United States. Notable figures such as Benjamin Franklin and John F. Kennedy have also graced the obverse of the half-dollar coin, honoring their contributions to American history and culture.

The reverse side of the coin has seen its own share of transformations, with designs that range from depictions of majestic eagles to heraldic shields and various national symbols. These designs, often linked to the political and cultural climate of their respective eras, showcase the coin’s adaptability in reflecting the ever-changing nature of the United States.

Rare 1974 Kennedy half dollar coin (no mint mark, circulated)

Rare 1974 Kennedy half dollar coin (no mint mark, circulated)

300.00 USD

🧭 🇺🇸 USA HALF DOLLAR 1854 O SEATED LIBERTY B88 #K3772

🧭 🇺🇸 USA HALF DOLLAR 1854 O SEATED LIBERTY B88 #K3772

299.14 USD

2014 USA KENNEDY 50th ANNIVERSARY 50C SILVER HIGH RELIEF 4 COIN SET - CERTIFIED

2014 USA KENNEDY 50th ANNIVERSARY 50C SILVER HIGH RELIEF 4 COIN SET - CERTIFIED

274.99 USD

2002 P&D Kennedy Halves Bag 200 BU Halves Sealed Bag/Box 2D1 Low Mintage!

2002 P&D Kennedy Halves Bag 200 BU Halves Sealed Bag/Box 2D1 Low Mintage!

325.00 USD

🧭 🇺🇸 USA SILVER HALF DOLLAR 1873 SCARCE BETTER GRADE B88 #K7748

🧭 🇺🇸 USA SILVER HALF DOLLAR 1873 SCARCE BETTER GRADE B88 #K7748

267.29 USD

1961-1976 US Coin Half Dollar UNC Proof BU mix LOT of 31

1961-1976 US Coin Half Dollar UNC Proof BU mix LOT of 31

320.00 USD

U.S.A. - Hawaii. 1883 Half Dollar.. gVF - Trace Lustre

U.S.A. - Hawaii. 1883 Half Dollar.. gVF - Trace Lustre

318.20 USD

1830 Small "O" Silver Capped Bust Half Dollar AK982

1830 Small "O" Silver Capped Bust Half Dollar AK982

324.00 USD

1823 (Broken 3) Bust Half Dollar (Set Break)

1823 (Broken 3) Bust Half Dollar (Set Break)

325.00 USD

One of the most significant milestones in the history of the half-dollar coin occurred in 1964 when its composition underwent a significant change. Prior to this year, half dollars were comprised of 90% silver, a practice rooted in the historical use of precious metals in coinage. However, the rising cost of silver and the growing demand for half dollars for circulation led to a transition to a clad composition of copper-nickel. This change was not merely an alteration in materials; it marked a shift in the coin’s intrinsic value and accessibility. The pre-1964 silver half dollars became highly sought after by collectors due to their silver content, underscoring the coin’s dual identity as both currency and collectible.

Collectibility and Modern Appeal

The transition in 1964 elevated earlier silver half dollars into prized collectibles, and their legacy continues to resonate with numismatists today. Collectors often seek out high‑grade examples or rare mint marks, such as those struck in Denver or San Francisco, to complete specialized sets. Beyond their silver content, these coins embody a pivotal moment in U.S. monetary history, symbolizing the nation’s shift from precious‑metal coinage to modern circulation standards. As a result, silver half dollars remain a cornerstone of American coin collections, valued for both their artistry and their enduring historical significance.