Price Guide for 1921 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: $28.00 – $14,000.00Uncirculated: $26.00 – $60,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $13.10 – $5,290.00Uncirculated: $13.50 – $10,950.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $50.00 – $8,250.00Uncirculated: $8,750.00 – $60,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $8.50 – $14,000.00Uncirculated: $4.20 – $168,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $35.00 – $8,499.95Uncirculated: $5,111.44 – $17,995.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $125.00 – $12,000.00Uncirculated: $12,500.00 – $175,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $15.00 – $25,200.00Uncirculated: $7.00 – $188,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $14.49 – $10,226.00Uncirculated: $31.05 – $23,100.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $35.00 – $26,500.00Uncirculated: $28,000.00 – $250,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1921 Half Dollar
The 1921 Walking Liberty Half Dollar is a highly sought-after coin in the series. It was minted during a year of economic recession following World War I, resulting in significantly lower mintages compared to other years. This coin represents the sixth year of the Walking Liberty design, which is considered one of the most beautiful in American coinage history.
Weight | 12.5 grams |
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Diameter | 30.6 mm |
Mint Marks | D, S |
Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
Obverse Design | Walking Liberty, designed by Adolph A. Weinman |
Reverse Design | Eagle with wings spread, designed by Adolph A. Weinman |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1921 Half Dollars has a significant impact on their value. Due to the limited mintage and circulation, finding high-grade specimens is challenging. Coins in Mint State (MS) condition are especially valuable, with prices increasing dramatically for grades MS65 and above.
Strike quality is an important factor, as many 1921 Half Dollars were weakly struck. Well-struck examples with full details on Liberty’s hand and the eagle’s feathers command premium prices. Original luster and attractive toning can also significantly enhance the coin’s desirability and value.
Mintage: 208,000
Rarity Scale: Rare
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Extremely rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 548,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, particularly for high-grade examples
The 1921 Half Dollar is considered a key date in the Walking Liberty series due to its low mintage. Both the Denver and San Francisco issues are highly sought after by collectors.
The historical significance of the coin, minted during a recession year, adds to its numismatic interest. Provenance can play a role in value, especially for high-grade examples with a history of belonging to notable collections.
Die state can also affect value, with early die state examples often commanding a premium due to their sharper details. Collectors should be aware of potential counterfeits due to the coin’s rarity and value.