The half dollar, alongside the half dime and silver dollar, holds a prestigious place in American numismatics as one of the first silver coins minted by the Philadelphia Mint in 1794. These early coins showcased Robert Scot’s iconic Flowing Hair design, paired with a small eagle reverse. By 1796, the Draped Bust design emerged, with fewer than 4,000 coins featuring the small eagle reverse—making it an extraordinarily rare and sought-after design, and one of the toughest non-gold type coins in the U.S. series. Production resumed in 1801 with the heraldic eagle reverse, marking the start of a more accessible era for half dollars.
Capped Bust Half Dollars: 1807–1839
Introduced in 1807, the Capped Bust half dollar is renowned for its historical significance and design variety. These coins, rich with overdates and other fascinating varieties, were commonly used in interbank transactions, preserving many examples in higher grades. Collectors can find well-priced VF (Very Fine) and XF (Extremely Fine) examples, making this series a favorite among numismatists.
Liberty Seated to Barber Half Dollars
The Liberty Seated half dollar, introduced in 1839, evolved through minor changes over its decades of production, followed by Charles Barber’s bold design in 1892. The Barber half dollar, minted until 1915, is revered for its intricate artistry, with higher-grade examples being particularly scarce.
Walking Liberty Half Dollar: A Collector’s Favorite
In 1916, Adolph A. Weinman’s Walking Liberty design elevated the half dollar's artistic appeal. Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful designs in U.S. coinage, its popularity endures as the obverse design for the American Silver Eagle bullion coin introduced in 1986. Key dates such as the 1921-D and 1921-S are prized among collectors.
Franklin Half Dollar: 1948–1963
The Franklin half dollar, featuring the Liberty Bell on its reverse, was introduced in 1948. While relatively plain compared to earlier designs, this series has grown in popularity. Collectors highly value coins with Full Bell Lines (FBL), which are challenging to find in earlier mintages.
Kennedy Half Dollar: 1964 to Present
The Kennedy half dollar was introduced in 1964 to honor President John F. Kennedy. Early examples struck in 90% silver are widely collected as mementos. By 1965, the composition shifted to 40% silver before transitioning to copper-nickel clad in 1971. Despite its limited circulation today, the Kennedy half dollar remains a collector favorite, with mint-issued pieces available for enthusiasts.
Rare and Historic Half Dollars
Key dates in the half dollar series include the 1796-97 Small Eagle Draped Bust coins, 1838-O, and 1878-S, alongside rare varieties in the Capped Bust and Liberty Seated series. Among modern issues, the 1892-O Micro O and 1921-D and S Walking Liberty halves are highly sought after.
For collectors and investors, ParadimeCoins.com offers an exceptional selection of rare half dollars, from the historic Flowing Hair and Draped Bust types to modern Kennedy half dollars. Browse our inventory today and discover the timeless artistry and history behind these American treasures.
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