what is a silver fifty cent piece worth

[AnnieRose]

Well, that fifty-cent piece in your pocket might be worth a lot more than just two quarters, but it all depends on how old it is. Think of it less as a coin and more as a tiny, shiny time traveler whose value is tied to its past.

The key is the date. If your half dollar was minted in 1964 or any year prior, you've hit the jackpot, relatively speaking. These coins are the real deal, containing a hefty 90% silver. Based on its silver content alone, what coin collectors call its "melt value," it's worth around $9.05. Not a bad return on a 50-cent investment!

Now, if your coin is a bit younger, from the groovy years of 1965 to 1970, the US Mint had gotten a bit more frugal. These half dollars contain only 40% silver. They're still more valuable than their face value, with a melt value of about $3.72. Anything after 1970, and you've likely just got a regular old fifty-cent piece. So, the first step is always to check the date before you go spending it on gumballs.