Assuming that you have a silver half dollar collection, or coins from an inheritance, and have decided to sell silver half dollars, there’s a high likelihood that your collection consists of Walking Liberty half dollars, Franklin half dollars, and Kennedy half dollars. If you’re unfamiliar with these coins, or some of the earlier minted U.S. silver half dollars, this article may be of value to you so that you can receive the most cash when you sell silver half dollars.
The first silver half dollar that we’ll discuss is the Walking Liberty half dollar, which was minted from 1916 – 1947. These coins depict a walking image of Lady Liberty on the front and a bald eagle on the reverse. Due to the relatively high mintage of most Walking Liberty silver half dollars, they typically sell strictly for their silver content; however, there are a few key date Walking Liberty half dollars that sell at a premium, namely those that were minted in 1916 and 1921. Additionally, the 1938-D Walking Liberty half dollar, which has a mintage of under 500,000, is considered a key date or semi key date coin. Furthermore, uncirculated Walking Liberty half dollars also sell at a premium.
Following the Walking Liberty half dollar was the Franklin half dollar, which were minted from 1948 – 1963. Considering that most of these coins were relatively high mintage coins, they don’t typically sell at a premium, with the exception of a few coins. As far as circulated Franklin half dollars go, only those minted in 1955 sell for a small premium. With respect to uncirculated Franklin half dollars, those minted in the 1940’s sell for more than their silver content.
The last U.S. minted 90% silver half dollar, with the exception of commemorative half dollars, is the 1964 Kennedy half dollar. This is one of the most popular half dollars, due primarily to the popularity of John F. Kennedy. The coin was minted to commemorate the death of John F. Kennedy. Because so many of these coins were minted (approximately 430,000,000), they do not sell at a premium to their silver content; even those that are in uncirculated condition.
The silver half dollars that we’ve addressed thus far aren’t the only U.S. minted 90% silver half dollars, but are rather the most likely silver half dollars in your collection. The first half dollars minted in the United States were minted two centuries earlier. In fact, the first half dollars were minted in 1794, and are known as Flowing Hair half dollars. The next type of half dollar minted was in 1796, and is known as the Draped Bust half dollar. Following the Draped Bust half dollar was the Capped Bust half dollar (1807 – 1839), the Seated Liberty half dollar (1839 – 1891), and then the Barber half dollar (1892 – 1915). All of these coins, with the exception of the Barber half dollars, are sold for their collectible value in addition to their silver content. Some Barber half dollars also sell at a premium; especially those that are in high end condition.
Now that you’re more familiar with the type of U.S. minted half dollars, and those that sell at a premium, you should be better poised to sell silver half dollars for top dollar. If the silver coin dealer that you’re working with is not factoring in the collectible or numismatic value of your coins when making an offer, you should continue your search until you find you find the right coin dealer.
Want to find out more about how to sell silver half dollars, then Atlanta Gold and Coin Buyers’ site on how to choose the best coin dealer when you sell half dollars.
