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Half Dollar

Half Dollar

Evolution of the Silver Dollar Mint

Beginning in 1792 the United States was allowed to produce silver dollars for use as legal tender. When the paper dollar came into existence some years later the use of dollar coins became obsolete with periods when the US mint didn't even strike any coins larger than the half dollar. In the 21st century dollar coins are a rare sight though they are not obsolete, especially in light of the late 199s introduction of the gold dollar piece. It was a definite improvement over earlier issues because it was easy to differentiate the dollar from the half dollar or quarter because of the color. Earlier the silver dollar had been reduced in size and in its silver color was almost indistinguishable from either the quarter or half dollar. This left retailers with the problem of having to look at any silver coin in denominations higher than the dime to make sure they were giving correct change.

Although it has not remained in constant circulation, there have been some new issues of the silver dollar from the Mint. This may be an effort to rejuvenate its use or just to provide collectors with another coin to add to their growing collections. There have been various occasions when the silver dollar has been produced such as the Susan B Anthony dollar as an expression of a woman's right to participate in the running of the government. These special occasions make the value of that particular silver dollar from the mint more valuable for the collector. It will not increase the face value nor will it be worth anything to collectors while it is still in circulation.

One thing a collector must keep in mind is that the circulation of a silver dollar from the Mint may have a widespread or limited circulation. Since these factors are not generally public knowledge at the time of issue, you may want to save any new coins in case they become collector's editions later. When any coin is still in widespread circulation whether it is still being minted or not it will have no value beyond that on its face. After the coins have limited circulation because they are no longer in widespread circulation they will begin to gain value for the investor and collector.

One problem with the silver dollar is its additional cost compared to the Federal Reserve Note and the public's dislike of so many coins. It has dwindled in popularity even though other countries use coins equivalent to the U.S. dollar. For instance, Great Britain's one pond denomination is a coin-the lowest note available for widespread use is the five pound note. The minimal production of the silver dollar make any new issues more valuable to collectors because they know eventually those coins will be removed from circulation. Each new issue from the Mint means a potential new coin for a collector although it will take some years for any new silver dollar from the Mint to be worth the same as those old, rare coins from centuries ago.
About the Author

Rachel Barr

Spare Change Ep04: Coin Collecting Franklin Half Dollars (Silver)

Magic Trick: Boston Box (half dollar) $28.95

Kueppers Folding Half Dollar BITE OUT Coin Magic Trick $9.95

FRANKLIN HALF DOLLAR COIN CATCHER / Vintage Coin Magic $90.00

Double Folding US Half Dollar - Profile/Wavy By Sasco $4.68

Teleporting Half Dollar! Wood Magic Trick! $6.95

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DOUBLE SIDED KENNEDY HALF DOLLAR COIN SET - Heads Tails $19.99

Two Faced KENNEDY HALF DOLLAR COIN SET - Heads Tails $19.99

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Barber Head Half Dollar 1-Two Headed Trick / Magic Coin $3.99

Teleporting Half Dollar! Wood Magic Trick! $6.95

Barber Head Half Dollar 1-2 Head 1-2 Tail Trick Coin $7.50

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Liberty Walking Half Dollar 1-2 Head Trick / Magic Coin $3.99

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Double Sided Two Faced Two Headed 1964 HALF Dollar $44.95

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Heirloom Collection Display Boxes Removable inserts hold 2 or 4 slabs $29.95 Boxes are made of solid wood construction - crafted of oak, a rich, dark natural wood color and include cavities that hold multiple coins....

Silver Finish Concho 1-3/16 Screwback - Eagle Half Dollar $2.53 Give your leather work a distinctive look of quality; the perfect embellishment for crafts and wearable art....

Heirloom Collection Coin Display Box $15.95 Boxes are made of solid wood construction - crafted of oak, a rich, dark natural wood color and include cavities that hold multiple coins....

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Coin Sized Forstner Bit, Half Dollar Available in penny, nickel, dime, quarter, half-dollar and dollar sizes (sold individually). These Forstner Bits are specially machined to drill snug nests for your prized coins. Show off your State Quarter Collection, house your growing collection of Presidential Dollar Coins or make great, easy gifts for family and friends! Razor-sharp outer spur cuts a perfectly clean rim. Extra-long shanks mak...

Rockler Coin Sized Forstner Bit, Nickel $12.99 Available in penny, nickel, dime, quarter, half-dollar and dollar sizes (sold individually). These Forstner Bits are specially machined to drill snug nests for your prized coins. Show off your State Quarter Collection, house your growing collection of Presidential Dollar Coins or make great, easy gifts for family and friends! Razor-sharp outer spur cuts a perfectly clean rim. Extra-long shanks mak...

Rockler Coin Sized Forstner Bit, Half Dollar $13.99 Available in penny, nickel, dime, quarter, half-dollar and dollar sizes (sold individually). These Forstner Bits are specially machined to drill snug nests for your prized coins. Show off your State Quarter Collection, house your growing collection of Presidential Dollar Coins or make great, easy gifts for family and friends! Razor-sharp outer spur cuts a perfectly clean rim. Extra-long shanks mak...

Racketeer Nickel $30.90 The first of the "V Nickels" had barely left the mint when appalled officials found a fundamental flaw in their design - the word "cents" had been left off. Con artists ended up plating the nickels with gold and passing them off to unsuspecting merchants...

1861 CONFEDERATE HALF DOLLAR REPLICA $29.5 1861 CONFEDERATE HALF DOLLAR REPLICA

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SS REPUBLIC 1859-O 9 IN BORDER HALF DOLLAR $996 SS REPUBLIC 1859-O 9 IN BORDER HALF DOLLAR

The Wasted Half: How to Maximize Your Advertising Dollar $12.62 The Wasted Half: How to Maximize Your Advertising Dollar

Littleton Coin LCF33 Kennedy Half Dollar Folder 1986-Date - Case of 50 $143.07 kennedy half dollar slots 2004-date.

Columbian Exposition Half Dollar $44.95 The Columbian Exposition half dollar, commonly referred to as the Columbian Half Dollar, was minted for the Columbian Exposition held between 1892 to 1893. It honors the 400th anniversary of Columbus? discovery of America. The U.S. Mint?s Chief Engraver based his depiction of Columbus on a bust made by artist Olin Warner. The reverse features a port view of the Santa Maria above two hemispheres flanked by the date 1492.Limitation: 2,500,405 pieces in totalMaterial: 90% Ag, 10% CuWeight: .36169 oz.Issue year: 1892-1893Diameter: 30.61mmQuality: CirculatingCountry: United StatesFace value: Half DollarCustomer can only order up to 5 pcs.

John F Kennedy Half Dollar $12.95 Issued in honor of America?s most beloved president, the first Kennedy Half Dollar was struck by the United States Mint in 1964. First issued just months after his tragic assassination in Dallas, Texas in November 1963, the coin quickly became a favorite among collectors around the world. Succeeding the Franklin Half Dollar, the Kennedy Half Dollar obverse features the face of the President designed by Gilroy Roberts.The eagle on the reverse was designed by Frank Gasparro.Limitation: unknownMaterial: silver/copperWeight: 12.5 gIssue year: since 1964Diameter: 31 mmQuality: very fineCountry: USAFace value: Half DollarUp to 5 items per customer

1948 Franklin Half Dollar $49.95 In 1948, an important change took place in United States coinage when the Franklin half dollar made its debut. Its introduction completed the conversion of U.S. coin designs from allegorical figures to portraits of famous Americans. Sinnock?s portrait of Benjamin Franklin was modeled after a bust by 18th-century sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon. On the obverse, LIBERTY is inscribed above the right- facing portrait, IN GOD WE TRUST below it and the date to its right. Tucked below Franklin?s shoulder are Sinnock?s initials, JRS. The Liberty Bell is featured on the coin?s reverse.Limitation: 7,035,414Material: .900 silverWeight: 12.5 gIssue year: 1948Diameter: 30.6 mmQuality: extremely fineCountry: USAFace value: Half DollarCustomer can only order up to 5 pcs.

Franklin Half Dollar Inlay $44.5 The Franklin Half Dollar made its debut in 1948, marking the completion of an effort to convert U.S. coin designs from allegorical figures to portraits of famous Americans. Franklin, who is the only non-president pictured on both a modern circulating coin and banknote, enjoyed tremendous stature both in America and around the world. Together with the Liberty Bell on the coin?s obverse, Benjamin Franklin?s bold portrait symbolizes our nation?s independence.Limitation: 9,999 piecesMaterial: copper-nickel with gold-plated inlayWeight: 54 gramsIssue year: 2001Diameter: 50 mm (Approx. 2 in.)Quality: ProofObverse: Liberty Bell, Bay Leaves, U.S. ConstitutionReverse: U.S. Capitol and eagleCustomer can only order up to 5 pcs.

Warman's Kennedy Half Dollar 1964-1986 $5.99 Few things have garnered as much overwhelming support from the United States House and Senate as the decision to create a Kennedy half dollar. Ttwo months after Kennedy''s assassination the House and Senate passed legislation for the coin, with the House entering a record-setting vote of 352-to-6 in favor of it. Now you can savor this American treasure with this beautiful and classic Kennedy half dollar folder. The three panel folder is larger in size than most folders, and features 48 die-cut slots - the most of any similar folder..

Learning Advantage CTU7501 Half-Dollar Coins Set Of 50 $4.84 Learning Advantage CTU7501 Half-Dollar Coins Set Of 50

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Double Tailed Half Dollar $10.34 Shows either a head on both sides or tails on both sides.

Littleton Coin LCF8 Kennedy Half Dollar Folder 1968-1985 - Case of 50 $143.07 four panel folder with 36 kennedy half dollar slots, includes series information and mintage figures.

Littleton Coin LCF7 Franklin Half Dollar Folder 1948-1963 - Case of 50 $143.07 four-panel folder with 36 kennedy half dollar slots including key 1970-d. contains series information and mintage figures.

Collectors Alliance 7601 1982 George Washington Half Dollar Commemorative Collection $37.62 in 1982 the us mint issued the first modern era commemorative coin the george washington half dollar. this silver half dollar was issued to commemorate the 250th anniversary of washington s birth. it was produced in uncirculated and proof condition. the george washington half-dollar portrays the general astride a horse and the reverse features the eastern fatade of washington s home in mount vernon nj. the washington half dollars were the first coins since 1964 struck out of .900 fine silver with a net weight of .4019 troy oz. the uncirculated half dollar was struck at the denver (d) mint while the proof half dollar was struck at the san francisco (s) mint. both half dollars are gorgeously presented in their original government packaging.

Littleton Coin LCFHD Kennedy Half Dollar Folder 2004-Date - Case of 50 $143.07 customize your u.s. half dollar collection with this premium four-panel folder. 36 precision die-cut slots ensure ease of use.

Kennedy Half Dollar 1987-2008 Collector's Folder $5.99 ''As the country mourned the devastating loss of its iconic hero, President John F. Kennedy in 1964, it quickly became clear the grief was shared by many around the world. Not only did the Kennedy half dollar receive great support in the U.S when it was issued. it generated much interest across Europe as well. Use this beautiful and informative three-panel folder, with slots for 48 coins, to proudly display your collection or give it as a gift to your favorite collector or history buff.

Littleton Coin LCF10 Liberty Walking Half Dollar Folder 1916-1936 Vol 1 - Case of 50 $143.07 four-panel folder with 36 liberty walking half dollar slots, including varieties. contains series information and mintage igures.

Tags: coins, columbus, dollar, half, half dollar 1964, half dollar coin, half dollar silver content, half dollar value, half dollar value chart, half-dollar-values

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