how much is a half dollar worth today

[VonJayden]

That's a great question! The value of a half dollar really depends on which one you have, as it can range from just 50 cents to potentially thousands of dollars.

For most Kennedy half dollars you might find in circulation today, specifically those minted from 1971 to the present, their value is simply their face value: 50 cents. These coins are made from a mix of copper and nickel, so they don't have any precious metal value.

However, things get more interesting with older half dollars. Any half dollar dated 1964 or earlier is made of 90% silver. Its primary value comes from this silver content, often called its "melt value," which is worth many times its 50-cent face value and changes with the daily price of silver. Kennedy half dollars minted between 1965 and 1970 also contain silver, but a smaller amount (40%), making them more valuable than 50 cents but less so than the earlier coins.

Beyond the silver value, a half dollar can be worth much more to collectors. As the provided search results suggest, the coin's value varies "by issue." This means the specific year, the mint where it was made, and its overall condition are huge factors. A rare date or a coin in pristine, uncirculated condition can be highly sought after and carry a significant premium well above its face or silver value.