Price Guide for 1920 Half Dollar Variants
This guide presents price ranges for variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $23.00 – $4,250.00Uncirculated: $5.60 – $31,725.00
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eBayCirculated: $12.50 – $825.00Uncirculated: $15.00 – $3,669.75
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $17.00 – $700.00Uncirculated: $750.00 – $42,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $13.50 – $4,000.00Uncirculated: $10.50 – $96,937.50
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eBayCirculated: $7.50 – $1,895.00Uncirculated: $1,100.00 – $6,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $20.00 – $1,800.00Uncirculated: $1,950.00 – $110,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $18.00 – $5,450.00Uncirculated: $12.75 – $87,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $16.10 – $4,000.00Uncirculated: $1,750.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $20.00 – $3,600.00Uncirculated: $3,750.00 – $85,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1920 Half Dollar
The 1920 Walking Liberty Half Dollar is part of a series first introduced in 1916, replacing the Barber design. This coin was minted during the post-World War I economic boom, known as the “Roaring Twenties.” The Walking Liberty design, featuring Lady Liberty striding towards the dawn of a new day, symbolized America’s forward-looking spirit and optimism of the era.
| Weight | 12.5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.6 mm |
| Mint Marks | D, S (No mint mark for Philadelphia) |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Liberty Walking, designed by Adolph A. Weinman |
| Reverse Design | Eagle perched on rock, designed by Adolph A. Weinman |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition plays a crucial role in determining the value of 1920 Walking Liberty Half Dollars. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) are significantly more valuable than circulated examples. The presence of full details on Liberty’s hand and leg, often referred to as ‘Full Hand’ or ‘Full Leg,’ can substantially increase the coin’s value in high grades.
Luster is another important factor, with coins exhibiting strong, original mint luster commanding higher premiums. Natural toning, if present and attractive, can also enhance the coin’s appeal and value to collectors.
Mintage: 6,372,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, popular among collectors of the Walking Liberty series
Mintage: 1,551,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, due to lower mintage and scarcity in high grades
Mintage: 4,624,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, typical for the series
Strike quality is particularly important for 1920 Walking Liberty Half Dollars. Many coins from this year, especially from the Denver mint, are known for having weak strikes. Well-struck examples with sharp details are more desirable and valuable.
The 1920-D (Denver) issue is generally more valuable due to its lower mintage and tendency to be poorly struck. High-grade examples of the 1920-D are particularly scarce and sought after by collectors.
While not considered a key date, the 1920 Walking Liberty Half Dollar is an important part of the series and is popular among collectors trying to complete date and mint mark sets.
