Price Guide for 1940 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: $13.00 – $1,650.00Uncirculated: $14.10 – $29,375.00
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eBayCirculated: $9.50 – $84.89Uncirculated: $12.50 – $6,105.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $15.00 – $50.00Uncirculated: $55.00 – $50,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $11.00 – $3,200.00Uncirculated: $28.00 – $35,250.00
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eBayCirculated: $12.70 – $240.50Uncirculated: $22.70 – $7,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $17.00 – $80.00Uncirculated: $85.00 – $38,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $144.53 – $2,820.00Uncirculated: $238.53 – $24,675.00
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eBayCirculated: $140.88 – $599.97Uncirculated: $259.00 – $5,400.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $325.00 – $28,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1940 Half Dollar
The 1940 Walking Liberty Half Dollar is part of a series that began in 1916 and continued until 1947. This iconic design by Adolph A. Weinman is considered one of the most beautiful in American coinage history. The year 1940 saw the United States still recovering from the Great Depression while tensions were rising in Europe with the onset of World War II.
| Weight | 12.5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.6 mm |
| Mint Marks | Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), San Francisco (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 1940 Walking Liberty Half Dollars significantly impacts their value. While common in circulated grades, these coins become increasingly scarce in higher mint state conditions. Coins in MS65 and above are particularly valuable, as they showcase the full beauty of Weinman’s design.
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 premiums.
2. Luster: Original mint luster adds significant value, particularly if it’s full and unbroken.
3. Surface preservation: Coins free from noticeable marks, scratches, or wear are highly desirable.
Mintage: 9,156,000
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: 9,034,000
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: 4,550,000
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
Several factors can further enhance the value of 1940 Walking Liberty Half Dollars:
1. Toning: Natural, attractive toning can significantly increase a coin’s appeal and value, especially if it’s colorful and even.
2. Full Split Bands (FSB): Coins with fully separated bands on the reverse’s olive branch are prized by collectors.
3. Provenance: Coins with a notable ownership history or from famous collections may command a premium.
4. Certification: Coins graded and encapsulated by reputable third-party grading services often sell for higher prices due to the assurance of authenticity and condition.
