Did you know some half dollars are worth way more than just 50 cents? These rare coins have become prized treasures for collectors due to their historical significance, minting errors, and limited production.
Some of them have even sold for over a million dollars!
If you love coin collecting or are just curious about hidden gems in American currency, here are nine of the most valuable half dollars you should know about.
1. 1794 Flowing Hair Half Dollar
This coin is a piece of American history—it was the first half dollar ever made by the U.S. Mint! Designed by Robert Scot, it features Lady Liberty with flowing hair on the front and an eagle on the back.
With only about 1,200 minted, this coin is incredibly rare. In 2021, one sold for over $1.8 million!
Estimated Value: Over $1.8 million
2. 1838-O Capped Bust Half Dollar
The 1838-O half dollar is special because it was the first one ever made at the New Orleans Mint.
Only 20 coins are known to exist today, making it one of the rarest half dollars ever. If you happen to find one, it could be worth over $500,000!
Estimated Value: $500,000+
3. 1796 Draped Bust Half Dollar
The 1796 Draped Bust Half Dollar is one of the earliest American coins. With only about 3,900 minted, surviving examples are worth a fortune. Depending on its condition, this coin can sell for anywhere from $50,000 to $1 million!
Estimated Value: $50,000–$1 million
4. 1916 Walking Liberty Half Dollar
This was the first year the famous Walking Liberty design appeared on a half dollar, making it highly collectible.
It features Lady Liberty walking toward the sunrise, symbolizing hope and freedom. In pristine condition, this coin can be worth over $100,000!
Estimated Value: Upwards of $100,000
5. 1839-O Seated Liberty Half Dollar
Another rare half dollar from the New Orleans Mint, the 1839-O Seated Liberty Half Dollar is one of the toughest to find. With only a few in existence today, one sold for over $300,000 at auction in 2020.
Estimated Value: Over $300,000
6. 1878-S Seated Liberty Half Dollar
The 1878-S Seated Liberty Half Dollar is rare because only 12,000 were minted, and very few have survived in good condition. If you find one in great shape, it could sell for over $100,000!
Estimated Value: Over $100,000
7. 1942/1 Walking Liberty Half Dollar
This coin is a famous minting error where a 1941 die was overpunched with a 1942 date, creating the “1942/1” overdate error. Because of this mistake, the coin is highly sought after by collectors, with values ranging from $10,000 to $50,000!
Estimated Value: $10,000–$50,000
8. 1817/4 Capped Bust Half Dollar
Another overdate error, this coin was originally struck with a 1814 date, then corrected to 1817. Since only a few of these half dollars exist today, collectors are willing to pay over $100,000 for one!
Estimated Value: Over $100,000
9. 1797 Draped Bust Half Dollar (15 Stars)
This rare 1797 Draped Bust Half Dollar features 15 stars on the front, representing the number of U.S. states at the time. Only about 3,000 were ever made, and one sold for over $1.2 million in 2022!
Estimated Value: Over $1.2 million
Why Are These Half Dollars So Valuable?
Several factors make these coins incredibly valuable:
- Low Mintage Numbers – Coins with fewer copies, like the 1838-O and 1796 Draped Bust, are extremely rare.
- Minting Errors – Mistakes like the 1942/1 overdate and 1817/4 overdate make coins unique and highly desirable.
- Historical Significance – Early coins, like the 1794 Flowing Hair Half Dollar, played a big role in American history.
Table – The 9 Most Valuable Half Dollars
| Coin Name | Mint | Unique Feature | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1794 Flowing Hair Half Dollar | Philadelphia | First U.S. half dollar; extremely rare | Over $1.8 million |
| 1838-O Capped Bust Half Dollar | New Orleans | First New Orleans half dollar; only 20 known | $500,000+ |
| 1796 Draped Bust Half Dollar | Philadelphia | Early U.S. coin; low mintage (3,900) | $50,000–$1 million |
| 1916 Walking Liberty Half Dollar | Philadelphia | First year of issue | Upwards of $100,000 |
| 1839-O Seated Liberty Half Dollar | New Orleans | Rare early issue from New Orleans | Over $300,000 |
| 1878-S Seated Liberty Half Dollar | San Francisco | Low mintage (12,000) | Over $100,000 |
| 1942/1 Walking Liberty Half Dollar | Philadelphia & Denver | Overdate error coin | $10,000–$50,000 |
| 1817/4 Capped Bust Half Dollar | Philadelphia | Rare overdate error | Over $100,000 |
| 1797 Draped Bust Half Dollar (15 Stars) | Philadelphia | 15 stars represent U.S. states at the time | Over $1.2 million |
These half dollars are more than just money—they are pieces of history. Each coin tells a unique story and holds incredible value for collectors.
Whether you’re an experienced numismatist or just getting started, keeping an eye out for these rare half dollars could lead to an exciting discovery!
