what are 50 cent pieces worth

[LeilaniFitz]

Hello! That's a great question, as the value of a 50-cent piece can range from its face value to thousands of dollars. The worth of a half dollar really depends on its year, mint mark, condition, and what it's made of.

Most modern half dollars you might receive in change, typically those made from 1971 to today, are generally worth only their face value of 50 cents. These are made of a copper-nickel alloy and are not considered rare.

However, as the search results suggest, older silver half dollars are where the real value often lies. Any half dollar dated 1964 or earlier is made of 90% silver, making its base value tied to the current price of silver, which is significantly more than 50 cents. Half dollars from 1965 to 1970 contain 40% silver and are also worth more than face value.

Beyond the silver content, the specific issue of the coin plays a huge role. As indicated by price guides like Greysheet, the value is determined by issue, meaning the year and the mint it was made at. Some dates are much rarer than others, and a coin in excellent, uncirculated condition will always be worth more to a collector than a worn one. So, while many silver half dollars are valued for their metal content, a rare date in great shape could be a prized collector's item.