The United States Half Dollar is a denomination of United States currency that has been in production since 1794. The coin has a rich history, with various designs and compositions used over the years. The Half Dollar is a popular coin among collectors, with many rare and valuable dates and varieties available. In this article, we will explore the history of the United States Half Dollar, its various designs and compositions, and its current production and collectibility.
Key Points
- The United States Half Dollar was first produced in 1794 and has been in continuous production since then.
- The coin has undergone several design changes, including the Flowing Hair, Draped Bust, Capped Bust, Liberty Seated, Barber, Walking Liberty, Franklin, and Kennedy designs.
- The Half Dollar has been composed of various metals, including silver, copper, and nickel.
- The coin is a popular collector's item, with many rare and valuable dates and varieties available.
- The current production of the Half Dollar is done by the United States Mint, with coins being produced at the Philadelphia and Denver mints.
History of the United States Half Dollar
The United States Half Dollar was first produced in 1794, during the presidency of George Washington. The coin was designed by Robert Scot, the Chief Engraver of the United States Mint, and featured a depiction of Lady Liberty on the obverse (front) side and an eagle on the reverse (back) side. The coin was composed of silver and had a weight of 13.48 grams and a diameter of 32.5 mm.
Over the years, the design of the Half Dollar has undergone several changes. In 1839, the coin was redesigned to feature a depiction of Lady Liberty with a draped bust, and in 1916, the coin was redesigned again to feature a depiction of Lady Liberty walking. The Walking Liberty design was used until 1947, when the coin was redesigned to feature a depiction of Benjamin Franklin. The Franklin design was used until 1963, when the coin was redesigned again to feature a depiction of John F. Kennedy.
Compositions of the United States Half Dollar
The United States Half Dollar has been composed of various metals over the years. From 1794 to 1839, the coin was composed of 89.2% silver and 10.8% copper. From 1839 to 1915, the coin was composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. From 1916 to 1947, the coin was composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, with a weight of 12.5 grams and a diameter of 30.6 mm. From 1948 to 1964, the coin was composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, with a weight of 12.5 grams and a diameter of 30.6 mm. From 1965 to present, the coin has been composed of 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel, with a weight of 11.34 grams and a diameter of 30.6 mm.
The following table shows the compositions of the United States Half Dollar over the years:
| Years | Composition | Weight (g) | Diameter (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1794-1839 | 89.2% Ag, 10.8% Cu | 13.48 | 32.5 |
| 1839-1915 | 90% Ag, 10% Cu | 12.5 | 30.6 |
| 1916-1947 | 90% Ag, 10% Cu | 12.5 | 30.6 |
| 1948-1964 | 90% Ag, 10% Cu | 12.5 | 30.6 |
| 1965-present | 91.67% Cu, 8.33% Ni | 11.34 | 30.6 |
Current Production and Collectibility of the United States Half Dollar
The current production of the United States Half Dollar is done by the United States Mint, with coins being produced at the Philadelphia and Denver mints. The coins are composed of 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel, with a weight of 11.34 grams and a diameter of 30.6 mm.
The United States Half Dollar is a popular collector’s item, with many rare and valuable dates and varieties available. The coin’s collectibility is due in part to its rich history, as well as its various designs and compositions. Collectors can find Half Dollars in a variety of conditions, from circulated to uncirculated, and in a range of grades, from Good to Perfect Mint State.
Rare and Valuable Dates and Varieties of the United States Half Dollar
There are several rare and valuable dates and varieties of the United States Half Dollar. Some of the most notable include:
The 1794 Flowing Hair Half Dollar, which is considered to be one of the rarest and most valuable coins in the United States. Only 1,758 coins were produced, and only a handful of examples exist today.
The 1839-O Capped Bust Half Dollar, which is considered to be one of the rarest and most valuable coins in the United States. Only 179 coins were produced, and only a handful of examples exist today.
The 1916 Walking Liberty Half Dollar, which is considered to be one of the most beautiful and popular coins in the United States. The coin features a depiction of Lady Liberty walking, and is highly sought after by collectors.
What is the most valuable United States Half Dollar?
+The most valuable United States Half Dollar is the 1794 Flowing Hair Half Dollar, which is considered to be one of the rarest and most valuable coins in the United States. Only 1,758 coins were produced, and only a handful of examples exist today.
What is the rarest United States Half Dollar?
+The rarest United States Half Dollar is the 1839-O Capped Bust Half Dollar, which is considered to be one of the rarest and most valuable coins in the United States. Only 179 coins were produced, and only a handful of examples exist today.
What is the most popular United States Half Dollar design?
+The most popular United States Half Dollar design is the Walking Liberty design, which features a depiction of Lady Liberty walking. The coin is highly sought after by collectors, and is considered to be one of the most beautiful and popular coins in the United States.
In conclusion, the United States Half Dollar is a highly collectible coin with a rich history and various designs and compositions. The coin’s collectibility is due in part to its rarity, as well as its beauty and popularity among collectors. Whether you are a seasoned collector or just starting out, the United States Half Dollar is a great choice for anyone looking to add to their collection.
