Half Dollar Coins — Complete Guide to Every U.S. Half Dollar Series

Eight major design series have been produced for the U.S. half dollar since 1794: the Flowing Hair (1794–1795), Draped Bust (1796–1807), Capped Bust (1807–1839), Seated Liberty (1839–1891), Barber (1892–1915), Walking Liberty (1916–1947), Franklin (1948–1963), and Kennedy (1964–present). Each series has its own key dates, design types, and mint mark combinations. Collectors often specialize in one or two series rather than attempting to collect all eight, though a type set — one example from each series — is an achievable and historically satisfying goal that many collectors pursue.

Half dollars were made of 90% silver through 1964. From 1965 through 1970 the composition was reduced to 40% silver clad — the half dollar was the only denomination to receive this transitional treatment rather than going directly to copper-nickel. Starting in 1971 all circulating Kennedy Half Dollars were struck in copper-nickel clad with no precious metal content. Silver proof versions have been offered annually since 1992 for collector purchase. Any half dollar dated 1964 or earlier is 90% silver; those dated 1965–1970 are 40% silver; those dated 1971 and later contain no silver unless they are specifically labeled as silver proof issues.

The 1794 Flowing Hair Half Dollar is widely considered the most valuable — examples in top grades have sold for over $1 million at auction. Among more available coins, the 1796 Draped Bust Small Eagle (very few known) and the 1921 Walking Liberty Half Dollar (particularly the Philadelphia and Denver issues) are among the most expensive regularly traded half dollars. The 1904-S Barber Half and 1916-S Walking Liberty also command high prices in all grades. In the Kennedy series the 1970-D mint-set-only issue is the key date, though values are far more modest than the older key dates.

Technically yes — Kennedy Half Dollars are still legal tender and the U.S. Mint continues to produce them. However, they rarely appear in everyday change because banks order them in limited quantities and most go directly into collector channels. The Federal Reserve has reported that demand for half dollar coins from commercial banks is minimal, as most vending machines and retail systems are not set up to accept them. If you want Kennedy Half Dollars for face value, most banks can order rolls on request, though availability varies by institution. For collectors, the most practical sources are coin dealers, eBay, and the U.S. Mint's annual sets.

Junk silver refers to pre-1965 U.S. silver coins sold in bulk based on their silver content rather than numismatic value — the term "junk" indicates circulated, non-collectible grades rather than any defect. All half dollars dated 1964 and earlier from any series (Flowing Hair through Kennedy) are 90% silver and qualify as junk silver. Additionally, Kennedy Half Dollars dated 1965–1970 are 40% silver and also trade as a silver category, though at a lower silver content per coin. Pre-1965 half dollars are particularly popular with silver investors because each coin contains 0.3617 troy ounces of pure silver — more than twice the silver content of a dime or about 45% more than a quarter.

Kennedy Half Dollars are the natural starting point — dates from the 1970s onward can still occasionally be found at banks for face value, proof sets are affordable, and the series has just enough key dates (1970-D, 1998-S Matte) to add collecting interest without requiring major investment. Walking Liberty Half Dollars are the next logical step — common circulated dates from the late 1930s and 1940s cost $12–$20 each and are among the most beautiful coins in American numismatics. Franklin Half Dollars offer a compact 16-year series with the engaging Full Bell Lines quality challenge. For historical depth, Seated Liberty and Barber half dollars reward patient, research-oriented collectors willing to spend more time identifying and grading 19th-century silver.