What is the value of a 1948 US half dollar?

Answer 1

These coins were struck in an alloy of 90% silver and 10% copper. In circulaated grades their value is mostly determined by the price of silver bullion, which changes every day. To get an up-to-date approximation of the coin's metal value you can use a site such as coinflation.com, or look up the current price of 1 oz of silver and multiply it by 0.36

For values of a 1948 Franklin halves in uncirculated condition, 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.

Numismedia lists the following approximate retail values as of 11/2011:

No mint mark (Philadelphia):

$19.20 to $4230.00 depending on quality

"D" mint mark (Denver):

$19.20 to $690.00

DISCLAIMER: The retail values quoted are the best available as of the date shown, but may vary significantly due to changes in the precious metals market. Also the wholesale (buying) price of a coin will be less than the selling (retail) price. A reputable coin dealer will be able to give a more accurate valuation based on inspection of the coin.

"Liberty" half dollarThese coins are normally referred to as Franklin half dollars because they carry a picture of Benjamin Franklin. ALL US Coins that don't already have a picture of Miss Liberty will have the word spelled out as part of the design. Only those coins with her picture on them are called "Liberty" coins.
Franklin halve dollars (1948-1963) are all very common. 1948 is the first year of issue with retail values of $16.50 for a coin in average condition.