Expert: Ronald Fern - 10/27/2009

Question
I have three half dollar coins. The first is dated 1952 and it has the liberty bell on one side with benjamin franklin on the other side. The side with liberty bell says united states of america, e. pluribus unum and half dollar. There is also and eagle on this side. The second looks exactly the same but is dated 1954. The third coin is also a half dollar but on one side it has an eagle and states united states of america, e. pluribus unum and half dollar. The reverse side has lady liberty with a sun @ the bottom. It reads liberty across the top and in god we trust in the lower right corner. This coin is dated 1942. I also have four buffalo head nickels, but none of them are dated. Can you please tell me what these coins may be worth? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Beth

Answer
Hi Beth:

You have a Walking Liberty half, last minted in 1947, and two Franklin halves, minted from 1948 to 1963. Condition plays an important role in the valuation of your coins, along with mintage, based on date and mintmark. You didn't mention the mintmarks. All are on the reverse. The "Walker", on the lower left hand side by the edge of the rock and below the plant. On the "Franklin", above the bell.

A recent guides show retail values of $12 for your 1942 half in Very Fine condition, and up to $30 to $40 for Uncirculated (depending on mintmark). The 1952 in Extra Fine for $8 to $19 and $12 to $48 in Uncirculated (depending on mintmark). The 1954 in Extra Fine for $8 to $19 and $12 to $48 in Uncirculated (depending on mintmark).

Look here for more information on your half dollars: http://www.bestcoin.com/walking-half-dollars.htm and http://www.pcgs.com/prices/PriceGuideDetail.aspx?c=734

Look here for grading of your half dollar coins: http://coinauctionshelp.com/How_To_Grade_Walking_Liberty_Halves.html
http://www.midwestmint.com/grading-halves3.html

The dateless Bison nickels sell for about fifteen cents apiece if you can't read the date, and usually are used for cut-out coin jewelry.

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Thank You and Good Luck in your collecting.