This 50 Cent Coin Could Be Worth a Fortune: If you’ve ever glanced at a 50-cent coin and thought, “Eh, just spare change”—you might want to think again. Some of these humble half-dollar coins are worth a small fortune, and collectors across the U.S. are paying big bucks for rare, high-grade, and error-filled versions.
In fact, a few 50-cent coins have recently fetched tens of thousands of dollars at auctions, making it well worth your time to dig through your old piggy bank or that dusty coffee can in the garage. Here’s what you need to know, straight from the professionals.
This 50 Cent Coin Could Be Worth a Fortune
| Coin | Special Features | Potential Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar (SMS) | Special Mint Set, mirror finish | Up to $108,000 |
| 1946-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar | High mint state grade | Up to $27,500 |
| 1964 Accented Hair Kennedy Proof | Rare hair design, sharp relief | Up to $45,600 |
| 1966 Australian 50-Cent Coin | 80% silver, round coin | Up to $15,000 |
| 1985 Australian 50-Cent Coin | Low mintage, known minting errors | Up to $250 |
That 50-cent coin in your pocket or drawer? It might just be worth way more than you think. Whether it’s a rare minting error, a high-grade condition, or a unique design, certain coins are worth thousands—or even hundreds of thousands—of dollars.
So before you drop that half-dollar in a vending machine, take a closer look. Because with just a little attention, your everyday change might become a collector’s dream.
Why This 50-Cent Coin Could Be Worth So Much
The half-dollar coin has a rich history in American currency. From the Walking Liberty design of the early 20th century to the iconic Kennedy Half Dollar released after JFK’s assassination in 1964, these coins are more than just money—they’re American time capsules.
But not all half-dollars are created equal. Some coins are more rare, better preserved, or contain minting errors that make them incredibly valuable to collectors. Let’s break down the key factors that make a 50-cent coin worth a lot more than face value.
This 50 Cent Coin Could Be Worth a Fortune Spot a Valuable 50-Cent Coin
1. Check the Year and Mint Mark
Not all years are special, but some are. For example, the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar—the first year it was minted—is highly sought after, especially the Special Mint Set (SMS) version.
Look for tiny letters under the coin’s design:
- D = Denver
- S = San Francisco
- No mint mark = Philadelphia
2. Look for Errors
These include:
- Double dies
- Mis-struck coins
- Off-center prints
- Wrong planchets (metal blanks)
These errors aren’t always visible to the naked eye, so a magnifying glass and good lighting help.
3. Pay Attention to Condition
Coin collectors (aka numismatists) use the Sheldon Scale, which runs from 1 to 70. A coin graded MS68 or higher (Mint State) is very rare—and very valuable.
4. Unique Designs
For example, the 1964 Accented Hair Proof Kennedy Half Dollar has sharper hair details and is a proof-only version—harder to find and pricier at auctions.
Real-Life Values: What Collectors Are Paying Today
1964 Kennedy Half Dollar (SMS)
- Extremely rare with high mirror-like polish
- Auction price: $108,000 (Heritage Auctions, 2019)
1946-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar (MS68)
- One of the highest-graded examples
- Sold for: $27,500
1964 Accented Hair Kennedy (Proof 68)
- Scarce due to design variation
- Estimated value: $45,600
Don’t Ignore International Coins: Aussie Gems Are Hot Too
Australian collectors are going crazy for:
- 1966 50-cent coins: Round, 80% silver. Up to $15,000.
- 1985 50-cent coins: Lower mintage with errors, worth up to $250.
Check your travel change jars, folks!
Beginner’s Guide to Coin Collecting (U.S. Focus)
- Sort by Year and Type:
- Put Kennedy Half Dollars, Walking Liberties, and Franklins into groups.
- Use a free online checklist from PCGS.
- Use a Magnifier: You’re looking for date quirks, mint marks, and obvious scratches or mint errors.
- Get a Value Guide: Try The Official Red Book or NGC Coin Explorer.
- Store Coins Properly:
- Use acid-free holders or plastic capsules.
- Keep them dry, cool, and out of direct sunlight.
- Consider Grading Your Coin:
- Use certified services like PCGS or NGC.
- This protects your coin’s value and makes it easier to sell.
FAQs On This 50 Cent Coin Could Be Worth a Fortune
Q: Are all Kennedy half dollars valuable?
A: Not all—most post-1971 coins are common. But 1964 versions (especially SMS or Accented Hair) are valuable.
Q: How do I know if I have a minting error?
A: Look for obvious mistakes, then research. Or take your coin to a dealer for a quick opinion.
Q: Where can I sell a valuable coin?
A: Try reputable auction sites like Heritage Auctions, local coin shows, or eBay (use caution and only list graded coins for high-value items).
Q: What’s the best way to store valuable coins?
A: Airtight holders, soft cloth gloves when handling, and keep them in a cool, dry place.
Trusted Resources for Coin Collectors
- NGC Coin Explorer
- PCGS Price Guide
- American Numismatic Association
- CoinWeek News
