What makes a 1951 half dollar rare?
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A 1951 Franklin half dollar is not inherently rare due to its mintage numbers; over 40 million were produced across the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mints that year. However, specific characteristics can make individual coins highly sought after and valuable to collectors:
What makes a 1951 half dollar valuable?
The 1951 Proof Franklin Half Dollar was only produced 57,500 times and carries a high premium. For experienced collectors, the Proof Franklin Half Dollars are ideal due to their high numismatic value and 90% silver content. The Franklin Half Dollar's design was inspired by a previous design that never saw production.
How to tell if your half dollar is rare?
The easiest way to identify a valuable half dollar is to check its date. This will tell you if the coin is made of silver. 1964 and Earlier: All half dollars minted in 1964 or before are 90% silver.
Are there any rare 1951 half dollar mint marks?
"D" Mintmark on Reverse: Denver Mint Struck the Coin
A 1951 Denver half represents an early year of the series with a mintage total ranking as the fourth lowest of the Denver issues for the series. Identify the Denver coin by the "D" mintmark on the reverse placed above the beam suspending the Liberty Bell.
How much is a 1951 50 cent piece worth?
1951 Franklin Half Dollar Value
According to the NGC Price Guide, as of December 2025, a Franklin Half Dollar from 1951 in circulated condition is worth between $23.75 and $26. However, on the open market 1951 Half Dollars in pristine, uncirculated condition sell for as much as $3250.
Rare Eisenhower & Kennedy Half Dollar Coins to Look For – Huge Money in Your Change!
How do I identify a 1951 proof half dollar?
On the obverse is the portrait of Benjamin Franklin, while the reverse shows the infamous Liberty Bell. This is a 1951 Philadelphia Mint, Franklin Half dollar - PROOF Coin and will arrive to you presented in a plastic air-tight capsule and black velvet pouch.
How to tell if a 50 cent coin is rare?
It is also worth mentioning that JFK half dollars from 1965 to 1970 are made up of 40% silver instead of 90% silver. What are the rarest silver 50 cent coins? If you don't count over-dates, proofs, and strange varieties then the rarest half dollar coin is the 1873-S with no arrows.
Is a 1951 half dollar real silver?
STRUCK IN HIGHLY PURE SILVER – Franklin Half Dollars were struck in 12.5 grams of highly pure 90% fine silver and measure 30.6 mm in diameter. BRILLIANT UNCIRCULATED CONDITION – Your 1951-S Franklin Silver Half Dollar will come in Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) condition.
What is the 1951 in God we trust?
The coin is a piece of US currency from the Lincoln Wheat series. The product is a circulated 1951 Lincoln Wheat Penny with a mint mark of "L" and "In God We Trust" on the rim of the coin. This small cent coin is made of copper and was minted in Philadelphia. It features a business strike type and is uncertified.
What year is the rarest half dollar?
1796-1797 Draped Bust Half Dollar
These early half dollars are some of the most valuable and rare, as only 3,918 coins were struck between 1796 and 1797. Among these, the 1797 issue with 15 stars is the scarcest, with estimates suggesting that fewer than 250 examples have survived.
What is the fastest way to identify silver coins?
The best way to determine if your coins are silver is to view the edge of the coin. If the coin has a solid silver stripe, then you can feel confident that it's silver. If you can see a copper stripe, then the coin is clad. A more subdued silver stripe with faint traces of copper could mean that the coin is 40% silver.
Should I clean old coins?
While you may be tempted to polish your coins to make them look shiny and new, proceed with caution. Polishing and/or cleaning coins can reduce their value. Older coins that show deep age coloration are more desirable than coins whose surfaces have been stripped away by improper polishing or cleaning.
How does condition affect a 1951 half dollar's value?
The 1951-D Franklin Half Dollar, minted in Denver, contains 90% silver, giving it a base value tied to its silver content. In average circulated condition, it's valued around $10. Uncirculated examples can command higher prices; for instance, in Mint State condition, the value can reach approximately $275.
What is the controversy with In God We Trust?
Controversy. "In God We Trust" has long been controversial as an official motto due to what opponents perceive as being a religious statement, and as such, violating the separation of church and state.
Why do coins say In God We Trust?
Adding “In God We Trust” to currency, Bennett believed, would “serve as a constant reminder” that the nation's political and economic fortunes were tied to its spiritual faith. The inscription had appeared on most U.S. coins since the Civil War, when Treasury Secretary Salmon P. Chase first urged its use.
What was the first U.S. coin to have In God We Trust on it?
Yet, despite its failure as a medium of exchange, the Shield two-cent piece made one singular and enduring contribution to our nation's coinage history, it was the coin that introduced us to the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST”.
Are 1951 half dollars worth anything?
Franklin Half Dollars, regardless of mint year, are fairly easy to purchase. A 1951 edition half dollar may trade for about $13 in very fine condition while a coin in extremely fine condition may trade for about $14.
Where is the mint mark on 1951 half dollar?
The mint mark on a 1951 half dollar can be found on the reverse side of the coin, centered just below the words 'UNITED STATES'. If there is no letter present, the coin was minted in Philadelphia. If you see a 'D' or an 'S', it was produced in Denver or San Francisco.
What years to look for in half dollar coins?
10 Most Valuable Kennedy Half Dollars
- 2014 P Silver Proof: $25 - $30.
- 1999 S Silver Proof: $25 - $30.
- 1996 S Silver Proof: $30 - $35.
- 1993 S Silver Proof: $35 - $40.
- 1994 S Silver Proof: $35 - $40.
- 1995 S Silver Proof: $40 - $45.
- 2018 S Silver Reverse Proof: $40 - $45.
- 2014 W Silver Reverse Proof: $60 - $70.
What year is the rarest 50 cent coin?
The design changed over the years, with special issues marking significant events. These pieces can be found in the official Australian 50 cent coin list, which is regularly updated on the Royal Mint website. The 1966 silver pieces are considered rare today—most were melted down due to the high cost of silver.
How do you tell if you have a rare coin?
Examine the Mintmark
The simplest approach to identify precious rare coins is by date and mintmark. Successful discoveries include doubled text and re- or over-punched mint markings.