Half Dollars, List of what to look for

[ardorlan]

Silver Coins (1970 and older)
Silver Proofs (1992 and newer)
Nickel/Copper Proofs (1992 and newer)
Alignment Errors (When the Heads and the Tails are not aligned)
Double clipped planchet, Some good images here http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php?topic=285716.0

What else?

[Country]

Silver Coins (1970 and older)
Silver Proofs (1992 and newer)
Nickel/Copper Proofs (1992 and newer)
Alignment Errors (When the Heads and the Tails are not aligned)
Double clipped planchet, Some good images here http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php?topic=285716.0

What else?

Don't forget the 1976-S 40%ers. Also, 90% SILVER proofs were minted from 1992 onwards.

[ardorlan]

oh wow, I always edge check my coins, but was not looking for 1976-S (hope I didn't miss any), All 1976-S are 40%?
how about 1975-S ?
I had allot of Bicentennial coins, didn't check the mint mark

[Country]

oh wow, I always edge check my coins, but was not looking for 1976-S (hope I didn't miss any), All 1976-S are 40%?
how about 1975-S ?
I had allot of Bicentennial coins, didn't check the mint mark

Some 1976-S are clad, some are 40%ers. The 1976-S clads are ALL proofs. The 1976-S 40%ers come as proofs AND circulation strikes. Clads weigh 11.34 grams; 40%ers weigh 11.50 grams.

No half dollars were minted in 1975 (that's when they were making all those Bi-Centennial halves... )

[Pennysaved]

oh wow, I always edge check my coins, but was not looking for 1976-S (hope I didn't miss any), All 1976-S are 40%?
how about 1975-S ?
I had allot of Bicentennial coins, didn't check the mint mark

You can catch the 1976 S by edge sorting just like regular 40%; actually it should be easier since they are usually in much better shape than regular circulated 40%; you don't have to look at the mint marks.

[rainsonme]

When edge checking half dollars, I suggest you do a reverse search ---- look for the very distinctive copper band on the edge, and if you cannot see it clearly, or if it is a little "washed-out", set those coins aside for a date check. Some of the 40%'s that are little circulated will show the copper band but it is lighter. And some of the silver halfs don't show any silver color on the edge because they are so dirty. Your pile for date sorting will be very small.

While you are at the bank, when the halfs don't show up, check some dimes, nickesl or pennies. Silver dimes, silver war nickels, and buffalo nickels are a nice distraction when the halfs disappoint. and there is alwasy something of interest in a bag of pennies.

[ardorlan]

Yeah, I thought that is one thing great about pennies, I would say "never" any sunks?
I am working through 60$ in dimes right now so far nothing (20$ left). With the dimes I am just looking for 1964 and Earlier.