Price Guide for 1943 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: $7.00 – $1,100.00Uncirculated: $10.00 – $120,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $9.50 – $411.01Uncirculated: $4.99 – $1,650.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $17.00 – $50.00Uncirculated: $55.00 – $125,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $16.00 – $1,200.00Uncirculated: $30.00 – $66,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $11.00 – $74.00Uncirculated: $4.81 – $3,600.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $17.00 – $50.00Uncirculated: $55.00 – $51,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $12.00 – $800.00Uncirculated: $32.00 – $51,175.00
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eBayCirculated: $9.95 – $104.53Uncirculated: $18.02 – $2,849.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $17.00 – $50.00Uncirculated: $55.00 – $40,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1943 Half Dollar
The 1943 Walking Liberty Half Dollar was minted during World War II, a time of significant global conflict and economic strain. This coin series, first introduced in 1916, was part of a broader initiative to beautify American coinage and remained in production until 1947. The Walking Liberty design is widely considered one of the most beautiful in U.S. coinage history.
| Weight | 12.5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.6 mm |
| Mint Marks | D, S (No mint mark for Philadelphia) |
| 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 a 1943 Walking Liberty Half Dollar significantly impacts its value. Uncirculated specimens, particularly those grading MS65 or higher, are considerably scarcer and more valuable than circulated examples. Key factors affecting value include:
1. Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full details, especially on Liberty’s hand and the eagle’s feathers, command premiums.
2. Luster: Coins with original mint luster are highly prized.
3. Surface preservation: Minimal contact marks or abrasions increase desirability.
4. Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance value, particularly for high-grade specimens.
Mintage: 53,190,000
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: 11,346,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 13,450,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Silver content adds intrinsic value to these coins, making even worn examples worth more than face value. The historical significance of coins minted during World War II can increase collector interest. While not rare overall, high-grade examples from any mint are scarce and sought after by collectors assembling high-quality sets. The artistic merit of the Walking Liberty design also contributes to the series’ enduring popularity among numismatists.
