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1943 Walking Liberty Half Dollar Value: Essential Guide for Collectors

1943 Walking Liberty Half Dollar Value Essential Guide for Collectors

The 1943 Walking Liberty Half Dollar is a highly sought-after coin among collectors and numismatists. This coin, with its beautiful design and historical significance, has intrigued many coin enthusiasts and collectors over the years.

Struck by the U.S. Mint during World War II, it features the iconic imagery of Lady Liberty walking towards a rising sun, symbolizing hope and a renewed American spirit.

One factor that determines the value of a 1943 Walking Liberty Half Dollar is its mintmark, which can be found on the reverse side of the coin, just below the inscription “HALF DOLLAR.” 

There were three mint locations for this particular year: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. Coins minted in Denver have a “D” mintmark, while those minted in San Francisco have an “S” mintmark. 

Interestingly, coins from the Philadelphia Mint do not have a mintmark. The scarcity and overall condition of these coins also play a crucial role in determining their value.

Mint state coins, properly preserved and with minimal wear, tend to fetch higher prices on the market. 

As you delve deeper into the world of Walking Liberty Half Dollars, you’ll learn about the factors that can make certain 1943 issues more valuable than others.

So, which mint marks or particular characteristics make some of these stunning coins worth a small fortune? Read on to discover the secrets behind their value…

History of the 1943 Walking Liberty Half Dollar

History of the 1943 Walking Liberty Half Dollar

Design and Inspiration

The 1943 Walking Liberty Half Dollar is a significant coin in American numismatic history, known for its beautiful design and symbolism. The artist behind this design, Adolph A. Weinman, was inspired by the concept of Liberty as a figure representing freedom and progress. 

The obverse of the coin features Lady Liberty walking confidently towards the rising sun, symbolizing the country’s pursuit of a brighter future. In her left arm, she carries branches of laurel and oak, which represent civil and military glory, respectively. 

The reverse side depicts an American bald eagle perched on a ledge, symbolizing strength and national pride.

Minting and Distribution

In 1943, the Walking Liberty Half Dollar’s mintage reached its peak with a total of 53,190,000 coins produced at the Philadelphia Mint, 11,346,000 coins at the Denver Mint, and 13,450,000 coins at the San Francisco Mint.

Due to the high mintages, the 1943 half dollar is relatively common and more affordable for collectors of various budgets. While the average value of a 1943 Walking Liberty Half Dollar in average condition is around $15, coins in mint state can fetch higher values, such as $90 for a Philadelphia Mint coin with no mint mark.

Despite its relatively widespread circulation, the 1943 Walking Liberty half dollar can still hold a considerable collector value for limited editions, such as MS 68+ grade coins, which have been reported to reach prices up to $120,000 (Rob Paulsen Live). As the most common Walking Liberty half dollar, the 1943 coin is an excellent choice for collectors seeking a beautiful piece of American history without breaking the bank.

Factors Affecting Value

Factors Affecting Value

Mintage and Rarity

The 1943 Walking Liberty Half Dollar has a relatively high mintage, which influences its rarity and value. Rarity plays a key role in determining the coin’s worth. Although the 1943 half dollar is not considered rare, lower mintage coins from other years in the Walking Liberty series can significantly affect their value.

Condition and Grading

The condition of a 1943 Walking Liberty Half Dollar is crucial in determining its value. Coins in better condition generally fetch higher prices. Grading, which assesses a coin’s condition, plays an important role in its valuation. According to NGC Price Guide, a circulated 1943 half dollar is valued between $11.25 and $32.50, depending on the coin’s condition.

Here is a summary of typical values for 1943 Walking Liberty Half Dollars, based on their grades:

  • Circulated (decent quality): $9 – $13
  • Good condition: At least $13
  • Best condition: Higher than the above values

Varieties and Errors

Varieties and errors in a coin’s minting process can also impact its value. Rare varieties and notable mint errors can make a particular 1943 Walking Liberty Half Dollar highly sought after by collectors, thereby increasing its worth. However, it’s essential to note that not all errors or varieties enhance a coin’s value. Some may not be significant enough to affect the price substantially.

Methods to Determine Value

Methods to Determine Value

This section focuses on various methods to determine the value of a 1943 Walking Liberty Half Dollar. There are several approaches, including seeking professional appraisals, referring to coin price guides, examining online marketplaces, and participating in auctions.

Professional Appraisals

Seeking a professional appraisal from a reputable coin dealer or numismatic expert is one of the most reliable methods to determine the value of your 1943 Walking Liberty Half Dollar.

An expert can assess the coin’s condition and provide you with an accurate market value based on various factors, such as rarity and demand.

Coin Price Guides

Referring to coin price guides can be another helpful way to get an idea of your coin’s value. For example, the NGC Price Guide provides values of Walking Liberty Half Dollars from 1943 in circulated condition ranging from $11.50 to $50. 

Keep in mind that these guides may offer a general estimate and may not be as accurate as a professional appraisal.

Online Marketplaces and Auctions

Observing the prices at which similar coins are listed or sold on online marketplaces and auctions can give you an idea of your coin’s market value. Websites like eBay and USA Coin Book provide information on recent sales and current listings, showing values of 1943 Walking Liberty Half Dollars ranging from $20 to $60 or more, depending on the condition. 

However, as with any online resource, it’s essential to verify the authenticity of the information and consider other factors, such as the coin’s condition and demand, when determining its value.

Preserving and Storing Your Coin

Preserving and Storing Your Coin

Proper Handling Techniques

Handling your 1943 Walking Liberty Half Dollar properly can help preserve its condition and value. Always hold the coin by its edges, avoiding contact with the coin’s surface. 

This prevents oils and dirt from your fingers from causing damage. It is also a good idea to wear gloves when handling the coin to further reduce the risk of damage.

Storage Options

There are several storage options available for preserving your coin. Here are some of the most popular choices:

  • Plastic Coin Holders: These holders, such as 2×2 flips or airtight capsules, provide protection from scratches and display the coin nicely.
  • Albums: Coin albums offer a convenient way to organize and display your coin collection while keeping each coin protected in individual slots.
  • Plastic Coin Tubes: Storing multiple coins of the same denomination in plastic tubes can provide added protection from moisture and scratches.
  • Safe Deposit Box: Keeping valuable coins like the 1943 Walking Liberty Half Dollar in a safe deposit box at a bank ensures physical security and protection from home theft.

Whichever storage method you choose, make sure to keep the coin away from direct sunlight or any source of moisture to prevent damage over time.

FAQs

FAQs

Many collectors and coin enthusiasts wonder about the value of the 1943 Walking Liberty Half Dollar. In this section, we will address some frequently asked questions to provide clarity on this popular coin.

What is the average value of a 1943 Walking Liberty Half Dollar?

The value of a 1943 Walking Liberty Half Dollar can range from $9.00 for one in average condition to around $90.00 for a coin in mint state. However, prices may fluctuate based on factors like condition, rarity, and market trends.

How does the mint mark affect the value?

Coins minted in different locations might have different mint marks, which can influence their rarity and value. For example, in 1943, there were three different mint marks: no mint mark (Philadelphia), “D” (Denver), and “S” (San Francisco). These mint marks have approximately the same value, with each coin worth around $15.

What is the melt value of a 1943 Walking Liberty Half Dollar?

The melt value of a 1943 Walking Liberty Half Dollar is $8.6228, which is higher than its face value of $0.50.This is due to the silver content of the coin, and this value may increase or decrease based on the market price of silver.

Are there any rare or valuable errors in 1943 Walking Liberty Half Dollars?

While there might be individual coins with errors, such as misaligned dies or doubled mint marks, any significant errors that would notably increase the value of 1943 Walking Liberty Half Dollars are not widely documented. It is always a good practice to examine your coins carefully for any unusual markings or variations, as these might increase the value individually.

Conclusion

Conclusion

In summary, the value of a 1943 Walking Liberty Half Dollar can vary significantly depending on its condition and mint mark. Coins in average condition are generally worth between $9.00 to $19, while those in uncirculated or mint state can fetch much higher prices, from $43 to $90 or more.

Three main mint marks were produced in 1943: no mint mark, “D” for the Denver Mint, and “S” for the San Francisco Mint. The Denver Mint had the lowest mintage with 11,346,000 half dollars struck, but all three mint marks typically have a similar base value of $15 for well-circulated examples.

Rare errors and high-grade coins have the potential to attract significant interest from collectors, as demonstrated by the staggering $120,000 paid for a 1943 Walking Liberty half dollar in MS 68+ grade. However, such examples are not typical, and most 1943 Walking Liberty Half Dollars are valued based on their condition and rarity within the mintage.

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Lisa Hayden-Matthews

Lisa Hayden-Matthews

An avid Skier, bike rider, triathlon enthusiast, amateurish beach volleyball player and nature lover who has never lost a dare! I manage the overall Editorial section for the magazine here and occasionally chip in with my own nature photographs, when required.

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