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.

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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $9.00 – $764.00Uncirculated: $15.00 – $78,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $10.00 – $153.50Uncirculated: $13.00 – $3,249.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $17.00 – $50.00Uncirculated: $55.00 – $80,000.00

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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $13.00 – $1,500.00Uncirculated: $23.00 – $72,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $10.50 – $127.59Uncirculated: $23.50 – $2,850.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $17.00 – $50.00Uncirculated: $55.00 – $45,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $19.00 – $2,000.00Uncirculated: $26.00 – $70,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $9.19 – $65.00Uncirculated: $25.00 – $3,900.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $17.00 – $50.00Uncirculated: $55.00 – $70,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $69.00 – $2,702.50Uncirculated: $192.00 – $60,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $218.00 – $295.00Uncirculated: $16.50 – $14,885.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $155.00 – $250.00Uncirculated: $325.00 – $60,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3,450.00 – $13,512.50
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $750.00 – $27,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $53.00 – $225.00Uncirculated: $129.25 – $10,800.00
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eBayCirculated: $44.00 – $189.99Uncirculated: $82.01 – $499.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $25.00 – $200.00Uncirculated: $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 |
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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.
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
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
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.