Price Guide for 1942 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.

1942 Half Dollar (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $9.00 – $764.00
    Uncirculated: $15.00 – $78,000.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $10.00 – $153.50
    Uncirculated: $13.00 – $3,249.99
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $17.00 – $50.00
    Uncirculated: $55.00 – $80,000.00
1942-D Half Dollar (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $13.00 – $1,500.00
    Uncirculated: $23.00 – $72,000.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $10.50 – $127.59
    Uncirculated: $23.50 – $2,850.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $17.00 – $50.00
    Uncirculated: $55.00 – $45,000.00
1942-S Half Dollar (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $19.00 – $2,000.00
    Uncirculated: $26.00 – $70,500.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $9.19 – $65.00
    Uncirculated: $25.00 – $3,900.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $17.00 – $50.00
    Uncirculated: $55.00 – $70,000.00
1942 Half Dollar (Proof)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $69.00 – $2,702.50
    Uncirculated: $192.00 – $60,000.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $218.00 – $295.00
    Uncirculated: $16.50 – $14,885.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $155.00 – $250.00
    Uncirculated: $325.00 – $60,000.00
1942 Half Dollar, CAM (Proof)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $3,450.00 – $13,512.50
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $750.00 – $27,500.00
1942 Half Dollar DDR FS-801 (009) (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $53.00 – $225.00
    Uncirculated: $129.25 – $10,800.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $44.00 – $189.99
    Uncirculated: $82.01 – $499.99
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $25.00 – $200.00
    Uncirculated: $225.00 – $12,500.00

Design and Specifications of the 1942 Half Dollar

The 1942 Half Dollar features the iconic Walking Liberty design, which was introduced in 1916 and continued until 1947. This design is widely considered one of the most beautiful in American coinage history. The year 1942 was significant as it marked the United States’ full involvement in World War II, which affected coin production and circulation.

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 1942 Half Dollars significantly impacts their value. Uncirculated specimens are particularly desirable, with coins in MS65 and above commanding substantial premiums. Key factors affecting condition include:

1. Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full details on Liberty’s hand and leg are more valuable.
2. Luster: Original mint luster adds to the coin’s appeal and value.
3. Surface preservation: Minimal contact marks or scratches are crucial for higher grades.
4. Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance value for some collectors.

Philadelphia, No Mint Mark

Mintage: 47,818,000

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

Denver, D

Mintage: 10,973,800

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

San Francisco, S

Mintage: 12,708,000

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 influence the value of 1942 Half Dollars:

1. Silver content: As 90% silver coins, their intrinsic metal value provides a baseline.
2. Historical significance: Connection to World War II era increases collector interest.
3. Mint mark: While not rare, Denver and San Francisco issues may command slight premiums.
4. Full Bands: Specimens with fully split bands on the reverse eagle’s legs are more valuable.
5. Die state: Late die state examples with interesting characteristics may appeal to specialists.

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