how much are 50 cent coins worth today

[OBrady]

Hey there! That's a great question. The value of a 50-cent coin, or a half-dollar, can vary quite a bit, from its face value of 50 cents to thousands of dollars. It really all comes down to the specific coin's year, mint mark, condition, and what it's made of.

For modern half-dollars, specifically those minted from 1971 to the present, they are generally worth just their face value of 50 cents. These coins are made of copper and nickel and aren't considered rare.

However, if you have an older half-dollar, it's likely worth more. As suggested by coin appraisal guides, many of these older coins contain silver, which gives them a base value tied to the current price of silver. For example, Kennedy half-dollars from 1965 to 1970 are 40% silver. Half-dollars from 1964 and earlier, including the first-year Kennedy, Franklin, and Walking Liberty types, are made of 90% silver.

Beyond the silver content, the coin's rarity and condition are huge factors. Certain years and mint marks are much scarcer than others, making them highly sought after by collectors. A common-date silver half-dollar in worn condition might be worth its silver value, while a rare date in pristine, uncirculated condition could be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars. To find a specific value, you'd need to identify the exact coin and consult a price guide like Greysheet or a coin appraiser.