how much are 50 cent pieces worth now

[DiAmelia]

That's a great question! The value of a 50-cent piece can vary dramatically, and it really depends on which specific coin you have.

For most modern half dollars you might get in your change, specifically those minted from 1971 to the present, they are generally worth their face value of 50 cents. These coins are made of a copper-nickel alloy and don't contain any silver.

However, the value often increases for older coins, primarily due to their silver content. Half dollars minted in 1964 or earlier are made of 90% silver, making them worth significantly more than 50 cents based on the current price of silver alone. Half dollars from 1965 to 1970 are 40% silver and are also worth more than their face value.

Beyond the silver content, a coin's specific year, mint mark (the small letter indicating where it was made), and overall condition are crucial for determining its value to a collector. As the provided sources like Greysheet and CoinAppraiser suggest, certain rare issues or coins in excellent, uncirculated condition can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars. To find the exact value of a specific half dollar, you'd need to identify its date and then check a reliable coin price guide.