Yes, you can order half dollars from most banks, but they are not kept in regular cash drawers

Most banks can order half dollars for you, but you will not find them sitting in the teller drawer next to quarters and dimes. Half dollars are in circulation—the U.S. Mint still produces them—but they move slowly. A bank teller will need to special-order them from their regional Federal Reserve branch, which takes a few business days to a week.

The process is straightforward: you walk in, ask the teller if they can order half dollars, and tell them how many you need. Some banks charge a small fee for the order; others do not. The bank then requests them from the Federal Reserve, receives them in a sealed bag, and you pick them up or have them deposited into your account. You pay face value—50 cents per coin—plus any ordering fee the bank charges.

Not every bank will do this. Very small branches or banks that do not have a relationship with a Federal Reserve branch may decline. If your bank says no, you can try a larger branch of the same bank, a different bank, or a credit union. Some credit unions are more flexible about special orders than banks are.

Key Takeaways

  • Half dollars must be special-ordered through the Federal Reserve; they are not stocked in regular teller drawers.
  • The order typically takes three to seven business days, depending on how far your bank is from its Federal Reserve branch.
  • You pay face value (50 cents per coin) and may pay a small fee—usually $5 to $10—for the bank to place and receive the order.
  • Larger bank branches and credit unions are more likely to accept special orders than small branches or online-only banks.

Why half dollars are hard to find in regular circulation

Half dollars were once common in everyday transactions, but they fell out of use decades ago. The U.S. Mint still produces them in small quantities—mostly for collectors and people who specifically request them—but they do not circulate the way pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters do. Most people have no reason to handle them, so banks do not stock them.

This creates a chicken-and-egg problem: because banks do not have them, people do not see them and do not ask for them. Because people do not ask for them, banks do not bother stocking them. The Federal Reserve keeps them available for banks that do request them, but the supply is limited compared to other denominations.

How to order half dollars: the actual steps

Call your bank's main branch or visit in person and ask to speak with someone who handles special currency orders. Do not ask a teller at the drive-through window; they will not have the authority to place the order. You need someone in operations or customer service.

Tell them you want to order half dollars, how many you need, and when you need them. Be realistic about timing—if you need them in two days, you may not be able to get them. Ask whether the bank charges a fee and what the total cost will be. Some banks charge per order (a flat $5 to $10); others charge per roll or per coin.

Once the bank places the order with the Federal Reserve, you will receive a call or email when the coins arrive. You then pick them up at the branch or ask for them to be deposited into your account. Bring your ID and be prepared to pay the fee if there is one.

What to do if your bank will not order them

If your bank declines, try a larger branch of the same bank. Bigger branches have more resources and are more likely to have relationships with the Federal Reserve that allow them to place special orders. You can also call the bank's customer service line and ask which branch in your area handles special currency orders.

Credit unions sometimes have more flexibility than banks. Call a few in your area and ask if they order half dollars. Some credit unions will order them for members even if they do not advertise the service.

A third option is to buy half dollars from a coin dealer or online. You will pay more than face value—usually 10 to 20 percent above 50 cents per coin—but you get them when ready. This makes sense only if you need them urgently or if you want specific years or mint marks.

Fees and what to expect when you pick them up

Bank fees for special currency orders vary widely. Some banks charge nothing; others charge $5 to $10 per order regardless of how many coins you request. A few charge per roll (a roll is 20 half dollars, worth $10). Ask about the fee structure before you place the order so there are no surprises.

When you pick up the coins, they will arrive in a sealed Federal Reserve bag or roll. The bank will open it in front of you to verify the count and condition. If you ordered 100 half dollars, you will receive exactly 100. The coins are new or nearly new—the Federal Reserve does not send circulated coins for special orders.

Reasons people order half dollars

Most people who order half dollars fall into a few categories. Coin collectors want specific years or mint marks. Vending machine operators or arcade owners need them for machines. Some people collect them as a hobby or want them for educational purposes. A few people straightforward prefer them for tipping or for keeping on hand.

If you are ordering a large quantity—say, 500 or more—call ahead and give the bank plenty of notice. Very large orders may take longer because the Federal Reserve may need to source them from multiple locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get half dollars from the bank?

Most orders take three to seven business days. The bank sends the request to the Federal Reserve, the Federal Reserve ships them to the bank, and the bank notifies you when they arrive. If you need them urgently, ask the bank if they have any in stock or can expedite the order.

Do I have to order a minimum number of half dollars?

Most banks do not have a minimum, but some may ask you to order at least one roll (20 coins, worth $10). A few banks may decline very small orders because the fee makes it not worth their effort. Ask when you call.

Can I order half dollars online or over the phone?

Some banks allow phone orders, but most require you to visit a branch in person. Online banks typically cannot order physical currency for you. Call your bank's customer service line to ask whether they accept phone orders.

Are half dollars worth more than 50 cents?

Face value is 50 cents. Older half dollars or those with rare mint marks may be worth more to collectors, but new half dollars from the Federal Reserve are worth exactly 50 cents. Do not pay more than face value unless you are buying from a coin dealer and want a specific year.

What if the bank says they cannot order half dollars?

Ask if another branch in your area can place the order. If not, try a credit union or a local coin dealer. You can also order them online from rare coin retailers, though you will pay a markup above face value.