why are half dolars so rare?

Answer 1

Because people collect the few that are circulated.

Answer 2

Going way back they were worth a lot and only banks used them to back their currency or to deal with other banks.In 1827 they actually minted over 5 million of that date, it took to 1830 to do it again. Actually that was not much. The banks still used them as reserves. Actually up to 1892 when the Barber half showed up the Bust type sat in banks, or went oversea to be melted for their silver. The Seated Liberty type sat in banks in the east, but were spent out west. remember 50 cents was a lot of money then. The Barber halves saw a lot of circulation due to wages went up as well as prices.Even the Walking Liberty halves of 1916-1947 saw a lot of usage.They minted 47,839,120 at the Philadelphia mint in 1942. Early Franklin halves saw some usage and even some later dates up to 1963. Everyone saved the 1964 Kennedy half for he died in 1963 and he was well liked. It was down hill from there. The quarter actually took over for it was easier to carry 2 of them that a half dollar. Just like the Ike dollar died so did the half due to it's size and weight. Everything today has become smaller so it is more portable. Half dollars are far from rare they just don't circulate.True as time goes by less and less are minted. Over 45,000,000 P & D were minted in 2001 but only 5,600,000 in 2002. Why mint something people won't use, so they do it now more for collectors. They will alway have a problem with dollar coins also, no matter who is on them, until they stop printing $1 bills.

Answer 3

Not a lot of demand for it, so the US mint doesn't make that many.

Answer 4

Not if you live in Phila. that's where they make them.

Answer 5

well i have twenty of them in my coin chest i dont now where you got that info!!!!!!!!!!!!

sherron

Answer 6

they are? i have a coffee can of em!