What is the value of a 1953 US half dollar?

Answer 1

All Franklin half dollars were made of 90% silver, but 1953 is not a rare year. In lower grades the coin's value is mostly determined by the value of the silver it contains. Its melt value in lower grades is approximately 0.36 times the current price of 1 ounce of silver.

For higher quality coins, Numismedia lists the following approximate retail values as of 08/2011. Look on the back of the coin to see if there's a small mint mark letter just above the Liberty Bell. It may be blank or there may be a D or S.

No mint mark (Philadelphia):

Almost no wear - $19

Uncirculated - $19 to $460 depending on quality

"D" mint mark (Denver):

Almost no wear - $19

Uncirculated - $20 to $910.00

"S" mint mark (San Francisco):

Almost no wear - $20

Uncirculated - $23 to $247.00