Price Guide for 1939 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.
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $10.00 – $3,800.00Uncirculated: $27.00 – $49,937.50
-
eBayCirculated: $11.50 – $126.00Uncirculated: $26.88 – $8,850.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $17.00 – $75.00Uncirculated: $80.00 – $50,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $14.00 – $180.00Uncirculated: $25.00 – $25,850.00
-
eBayCirculated: $14.50 – $107.50Uncirculated: $24.50 – $3,999.99
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $17.00 – $95.00Uncirculated: $100.00 – $32,500.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $114.00 – $2,800.00Uncirculated: $282.00 – $40,800.00
-
eBayCirculated: $32.76 – $256.00Uncirculated: $182.50 – $3,485.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $205.00 – $250.00Uncirculated: $360.00 – $42,500.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $21.00 – $1,100.00Uncirculated: $69.00 – $13,800.00
-
eBayCirculated: $12.50 – $144.09Uncirculated: $65.00 – $2,805.90
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $17.00 – $160.00Uncirculated: $175.00 – $30,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $75.00 – $1,364.00
-
eBayCirculated: $45.51Uncirculated: $199.00 – $363.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $30.00 – $135.00Uncirculated: $150.00 – $1,500.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,086.88 – $1,292.50
-
eBayCirculated: $19.50 – $199.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $40.00 – $275.00Uncirculated: $300.00 – $1,250.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $274.45
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2,500.00 – $4,800.00
Design and Specifications of the 1939 Half Dollar
The 1939 Half Dollar features the iconic Walking Liberty design, which was introduced in 1916 and continued until 1947. This design, created by sculptor Adolph A. Weinman, is widely considered one of the most beautiful in American coinage history.
The year 1939 was significant as it marked the beginning of World War II in Europe, though the United States had not yet entered the conflict. This historical context adds interest to coins from this period for many collectors.
| Weight | 12.5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.6 mm |
| Mint Marks | No mint mark (Philadelphia), D (Denver), S (San Francisco) |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Walking Liberty, designed by Adolph A. Weinman |
| Reverse Design | Eagle perched on a mountain crag, designed by Adolph A. Weinman |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of a 1939 Half Dollar significantly impacts its value. Uncirculated examples (MS60 and above) are particularly desirable, with premium prices for coins grading MS65 or higher. Key factors affecting condition include:
1. Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full details, especially on Liberty’s hand and the eagle’s feathers, command higher prices.
2. Luster: Coins with original mint luster are highly prized.
3. Surface preservation: Minimal contact marks or abrasions increase value.
4. Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance a coin’s appeal and value.
Mintage: 6,820,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 4,267,800
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 2,552,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Rarity in high grades is a crucial factor for the 1939 Half Dollar. While the coin is common in circulated conditions, gem-quality specimens (MS65 and above) are scarce and highly sought after by collectors.
The historical significance of 1939 as the start of World War II can add interest for some collectors. Additionally, the artistic merit of the Walking Liberty design contributes to the coin’s enduring popularity among numismatists and art enthusiasts alike.
Market trends and overall silver content can also influence the coin’s value, particularly for lower-grade examples.
