The coin’s melt value is $8.11. Although other factors play a role, the price of silver is the primary determinant of the value of the 1943 half-dollar coin.
To determine its value in various conditions, we will examine this recognizable 1943 half-dollar coin in full detail. We’ll also look at its design, so you don’t mix it up with other coinages. In addition, you will discover more about the history, mintmarks, the metal used, weight, and other fascinating details of this precious American coin.
What is The 1943 Half Dollar Coin?
The 1943 50-cent coin, also known as the Walking Liberty half-dollar coin, is one of the rarest coins the US has ever produced. The peak year for the production of the half dollar was 1943.
This coin was worth 50 cents when it was first minted. The current value of a 1943 half-dollar is $16, and its melt value is $8.11. Let’s examine this symbolic coin closely.
The 1943 Half Dollar Coin Design
The Weimann design for this coin features a full-length image of Lady Liberty strolling in the direction of the rising Sun. She carries an oak and a laurel branch, signifying the military and civil prowess of the United States.
Folds of stripes and stars can be seen in the background, blowing in the breeze. The portrait’s hand stretches out to represent the spirit of Liberty.
A bald eagle perched high atop a mountain peak is depicted on the reverse. It has spread-out wings and a fearless spirit, indicating that the eagle is aware of its strength. Another notable feature on the reverse is the young pine sprouting from a rock rift, representing America.
History Of 1943 Half Dollar Coin
From 1916 to 1947, the US Mint produced silver 50-cent pieces featuring the 1943 Walking Liberty. Adolph A. Weinman created the original design, but Robert W. Woolley, the new director of the US Mint, changed it. He depicted a marching Liberty heading toward the Sun. This later faced implementation difficulties because it was challenging to perfect.
Charles E. Barber, a well-known engraver at the time, accepted the assignment to develop a fresh layout. The production was never carried out because Mint officials produced the 1943 half-dollar coin in massive quantities using Weismann’s design instead. Despite Weismann’s design flaws, it is still one of the most exquisite works of US numismatic art.
A startling 53 million 1943 half-dollar coins were made in Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mints. The metal content of the 50-cent coin is 90% silver and 10% copper due to its durability and availability in various Mint Stage grades. The best and rarest of these are the MS67 and MS68. Fortunately, the coin is accessible depending on the mint.
Where was the 1943 Walking Liberty Minted?
This unique coin is produced by the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco US mints. The mintmarks “D” and “S” on the 1943 half-dollar coin will help you identify it. “D” indicates that the coin was minted in Denver, whereas an “S” means that it was minted in San Francisco.
If you have a coin that does not have a mintmark, it was made in Philadelphia. The most difficult to find of the three US mints in Denver. You will be extremely fortunate to own one, as they are scarce and valuable.
Reason For Minting The 1943 50-Cent Coin
The public was not happy with Charles E. Barber’s first half-dollar coinage. Various US past presidents tried different designs to replace the Barber coins. The Commission of Fine Arts chose three sculptors, Hermon MacNeil, Adolph Weinman, and Albin Polasek, to submit their designs to support Barber’s design. The commission later approved the Weinmann coin design.
During World War II, the US Mint produced the 1943 half-dollar, also known as the 1943 Walking Liberty, at its main Mint in Philadelphia. The 90% silver, 10% copper coin featured a full-length image of Liberty walking toward the rising Sun.
Features Of 1943 Half Dollar Coin
1. Portrait
Liberty is depicted on the 1943 half-dollar coin stepping toward a new dawn while holding up folds of stars (rising Sun). She carries an oak and laurel branch representing America’s civil and military glory. Liberty extends her hand, bestowing the spirit of Liberty.
2. Obverse (Head) Features
- Liberty walking and holding a branch
- Sun rising in the east
- Unfolded stars
- The year 1943
- Slogan (LIBERTY)
3. Reverse (Tail) Features
- Bald eagle taking flight from the top of the mountain
- HALF.DOLLAR
- Slogan: E PLURIBUS UNUM
- Slogan: United.States. Of.America
4. Mintmark
The 1943 half-dollar coin can be identified by three mintmarks.
San Francisco (“S”) – Indicates that the coin is from the San Francisco Mint.
Denver (“D”) – Indicates that the coin is from the Denver Mint
Philadelphia – zero mintmark. All 1943 Walking Liberty coins that do not bear a mint mark were struck in Philadelphia Mint.
5. Metal Used In The 1943 Half Dollar
The 1943 half-dollar is made up of:
- Silver: 90%
- Copper: 10%
6. Weight And Dimensions
The 1943 half-dollar coins have a 12.5 gr. in weight. The edges are reeded, and the diameter is 30.6 mm.
Value Of 1943 Half Dollar Coin
When it comes to the 1943 Walking Liberty coin, we have melt, standard, and denominational values.
Denominational Value Of The Coin
The 1943 half-dollar coin is worth 50 cents, or $0.50. On the reverse of the coin, it is inscribed HALF.DOLLAR.
Melt Value
A coin’s weight in metal content is its melt value. This 12.5-gram coin is 90% silver and 10% copper. 10.254 grams of that weight is made of silver metal, and the remaining 2.2 grams are made of copper. Your silver will be worth $8.21 at melt value.
The current spot price of silver is $22.69. Keep an eye out because this price fluctuates and is not set; it may increase or decrease from this amount.
Standard Value Of Coin 1943 Half Dollar
The standard value of a 1943 Walking Liberty coin is approximately $9.00 in average condition. Leading coin graders estimated that the 1943 half-dollar coin’s standard value could reach $90 in its certified Mint State condition.
The price shown above varies depending on the mint. For instance, a D mint is harder to find and costs more, and the Philadelphia Mint, on the other hand, is more widely accessible and cheaper.
1943 Half Dollar Price Chart
| Coin Condition/Coin | 1943 S | 1943 D | 1943 |
| Good | $8.11 | $8.11 | $8.11 |
| Fine | $10.04 | $10.04 | $10.04 |
| Extremely Fine | $12.17 | $12.17 | $12.17 |
| Uncirculated | $36.00 | $35.00 | $26.00 |
How Much Is The 1943 Half-Dollar Coin At The Pawn Shop?
A 1943 Philadelphia half-dollar coin in Good grade would cost around $10 if you went into a pawn shop today to buy or sell one. You must pay $15 or keep it for yourself if it is in good condition. In Extremely Fine condition, the same coin can fetch up to $18 and $35 in uncirculated condition. A 1943 D half-dollar in good condition is worth around $10, in fine condition, $15, and in extremely fine condition, $18. Its worth is approximately $48 if it is uncirculated (MS60 grade). You can get up to $75 for the MS 63 grade that has yet to be circulated.
You can purchase a 1943 S half-dollar for $10 in good condition or $15 in fine condition. The coin’s value, in Extremely Fine condition, is about $18. The value of an MS60 grade and an MS63 are $42 and $60, respectively.
Factors Affecting 1943 Half-Dollar Coin Prices
We’ve seen the various prices for the Walking Liberty half. The price difference is the result of many factors, including:
1. Mistruck Coins
Some coins experience surface flaws and errors during the minting process, and others lack specific details. These coins are still in use and aren’t being thrown away, but their value isn’t accurate.
2. Grading
Coins get bumps and bruises from constant circulation—the greater the damages, the lower the value. The coin’s grade will be determined by how it actually looks, and coin grades range from Good to Uncirculated. Coins in mint condition are worth more than coins in good condition.
3. Mint
Three mints produced the 1943 half dollar: San Francisco (S), Denver (D), and Philadelphia (no mint mark), The Denver Mint coins are typically more expensive and unavailable. Philadelphia mint is simple to identify and less expensive.
4. Rarity
The scarcity of a product raises its value, and prices are lower when the coin is in abundance. 1943 half-dollar coins from the Denver Mint are rare and expensive.
5. Dealers
Different retailers assign various values to their goods. They can read the market and establish pricing based on their target clients. They will raise the price whenever they see a rise in interest in the 1943 half-dollar coin.
Conclusion:
The market for coin collecting values the 1943 half-dollar coin. Every numismatist wants to have uncirculated coins in their collection. These are more expensive but less common. You also have a kill if you still have the other grades. Knowing how dealers grade the 1943 Walking Liberty coin gives you a better opportunity to count your gems.