are half dollar coins worth anything today

[BrookeAnn]

Well, if you're hoping that the half dollar you found in your junk drawer will fund your next tropical vacation, you might want to keep your day job. But is it worth more than its face value of 50 cents? The answer is a resounding "maybe!" It all depends on what you've got.

The most important date to look for is 1964. The Kennedy half dollar from that year was made of 90% silver, making it a little treasure worth significantly more than two quarters. From 1965 to 1970, the silver content was reduced to 40%, but that still makes them worth more than their face value. Any half dollar minted after 1970 for general circulation is just your standard copper-nickel coin, worth exactly 50 cents.

However, don't give up hope on your more modern coins just yet! The real money lies in the special collector's editions. According to the experts, certain proof coins and special issues can be quite valuable. For example, a 1995 S Silver Proof can be worth around $40, and a 2014 W Silver Reverse Proof might fetch you up to $70. If you really hit the jackpot, you might find a 1998 S Silver Frosted Matte Finish Proof, which could be worth over $100.

So, while most half dollars are just worth, well, half a dollar, it's always worth checking the date and finish. You might not get rich, but you could at least have enough to buy a fancy lunch.