1942 Walking Liberty Half Dollar Value (Rare Errors, “D”, “S” and No Mint Mark)

Crafted from 1916 until 1947, the captivating Walking Liberty half-dollars are now a sought-after commodity among numismatics enthusiasts. Although these coins aren’t rare, securing a mint state specimen could prove to be quite a challenge.

Typically, the 1942 versions of these half dollars have an estimated worth that ranges from $15 to $95, influenced by factors such as the location of their mint and how well they’ve been preserved over the years. One of the striking aspects of these coins is their silver composition, ensuring that they hold some value even if they’ve suffered significant wear and tear over time.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the 1942 Walking Liberty half-dollar, examining the differences in value based on condition and mint location.

1942 Walking Liberty Half-Dollar Valuation Overview

*Data courtesy of USA Coin Book

This table showcases the values associated with each condition and mint location of the 1942 Walking Liberty half-dollar. Notably, a Proof 65 coin minted without a mark fetches a substantial premium compared to others, demonstrating the incredible value that top-tier preserved coins can hold.

Please note that these valuations are approximate and can fluctuate based on various market factors, including the prevailing silver price and collector demand.

Read More: 18 Most Valuable Franklin Half Dollars Worth Money

A Glance at the Evolution of the Half-dollar Coin in 1942

Back in the early days of US Mint, specifically on April 2nd, 1792, an act led to the birth of the silver half-dollar coin, initially graced with the “Flowing Hair” design. This half-dollar denomination coin was the pioneering silver currency of such value crafted by the US Mint.

The coin’s initial purity stood at 0.8924, a figure that was later redefined. Between January 18th, 1837, and the year 1965, US law dictated that the American silver half-dollar be minted at a purity of 0.900. Unique among silver coinage, the Walking Liberty coin adopted a ridged edge to thwart any illicit scraping off of the valuable metal.

The Walking Liberty silver half-dollar coin took a revolutionary step in coin design by becoming the first circulating coin that depicted Lady Liberty in a walking posture. This fascinating design was brought to life when Adolph A. Weinman presented it, prompting the US Mint to begin production in 1916.

The Walking Liberty coin arrived on the scene, taking the place of the Barber half-dollar, which had been in circulation from 1892 until 1915. The production of this stunning coin spanned well over thirty years. However, all things must come to an end, and so it was that in 1947, the Franklin half-dollar emerged, marking the final year of minting the Walking Liberty half-dollar.

During the challenging times of the 1940s, marked by the strain of World War II, a unique half-dollar coin was minted that embodied the spirit of the United States—Lady Liberty wandering boldly across the American landscape. This coin became an instant hit among the public, revered not only for its captivating design but also for the morale boost it provided during those tumultuous years. This half-dollar was a novel design of its era, being the first of its kind minted in the 20th century.

Overview of the 1942 Half-Dollar Coin featuring the Walking Liberty

In recent times, these 1942 Walking Liberty half-dollars have been identified as promising investment assets. Factors like the coins’ inherent silver content and the stable market value they command make them an attractive choice for many investors. Additionally, speculation of a surge in their value due to potential future scarcity adds to their appeal.

A key factor to remember about these special half-dollar coins is their limited period of production, especially those minted during the World War II years. Given their aesthetic charm, significant collectability, and rarity in top-tier condition, one could foresee an increased scarcity and, consequently, an appreciation in their value in the upcoming years.

These historical tokens can be procured from various sources such as eBay, established secondary market dealers, and auction houses. However, caution is advised while dealing with unfamiliar sellers to mitigate potential fraud risk. Occasionally, one might stumble upon a high-value coin being sold at an unusually low price. As tempting as it might seem, it is often a ruse involving a counterfeit piece rather than a fortuitous opportunity.

Intricate Details of the Half Dollar from 1942 Celebrating Liberty’s Stroll

A profound exploration of the US Mint’s creations reveals the Liberty Walking half dollar series minted from 1916 until 1947. The year 1942 was a part of this iconic series. These coinages offer a moderate price tag in lower grades, yet you might stumble upon a rare, perfectly preserved specimen, which could turn out to be a golden goose.

Front Design Elements of the Half Dollar from 1942 Featuring Liberty’s Stroll

In the limelight of the front side of this captivating 1942 half dollar is a serene depiction of Lady Liberty. She appears to be in a tranquil stride across an open field, gently outstretching one of her hands. Clutched in her alternate hand is a symbol of peace – an olive branch.

Completing this picturesque setting is the dawn of a new day symbolized by a sun in its ascendance on the left. Alongside Lady Liberty, the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” is artistically inscribed. The periphery of this scene is encompassed by the term “LIBERTY”, and beneath Liberty’s advancing left foot, the year of issue ‘1942’ is subtly marked on the lower edge of the coin.

Examining the Flip Side of the 1942 Walking Liberty Half-Dollar

An emblem of American pride, the reverse side of this iconic coin depicts a majestic eagle, its wings confidently outspread beneath the engraved title of our nation – the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

Perched gracefully atop a boulder, the eagle clutches a verdant branch of pine, which extends towards the left, in its strong right talon. The intricate design is further embellished with the Latin phrase ‘E PLURIBUS UNUM’, neatly split into two lines, signifying unity in diversity. The coin’s value is imprinted as HALF*DOLLAR, anchoring the grandeur of the design.

Further Attributes of the 1942 Walking Liberty Half-Dollar

Introduced in 1942, the Walking Liberty Half-Dollar was a commemorative silver coin, valued at fifty cents and featuring a grooved circumference. With a total weight of 12.50 grams or 0.40188 troy ounces, the coin was imbued with a substantial amount of silver, comprising 11.25 grams or 0.36170 troy ounces. Despite its considerable density, the coin remained slim with a thickness of 1.8 millimeters or 0.07087 inches, and its circular form stretched out to 30.63 millimeters or 1.20590 inches in diameter.

Evaluating the Worth of the 1942 Half-dollar Featuring Lady Liberty

In the year 1942, the silhouette of Lady Liberty graced the half-dollar coin, which was minted across three different locations. During that year, a staggering total of 71,530,920 half-dollar coins, both regular and proof versions, were struck. This figure alone demonstrates the considerable popularity and widespread circulation of these half-dollars in the early 1940s.

The Tale of the 1942 Liberty Walker Half-Dollar with no Mint Mark

Often hailed as a testament to the prolific output of the Philadelphia Mint, the 1942 Liberty Walker half-dollar with no mint mark stands out with an impressive 47,818,000 units originally minted. These pieces of history, despite their modernity relative to the coinage world, tend to be reasonably priced, especially if they’ve journeyed through the currents of commerce for several years. It’s quite possible to add one of these to your collection for a sum between $10 and $25, assuming a moderate level of preservation.

Let’s take a closer look at the value of these coins, specifically those minted in 1942. While the costs can fluctuate depending on the mint mark and the coin’s condition, a general range can still be observed.

*Information gathered from Greysheet

These tables provide a comprehensive guide to understanding the value of your 1942 Liberty Walker half-dollars, depending on their state of preservation and their specific mint mark. Coins in better condition and from certain mints can command a higher premium.

In the domain of numismatic collection, the allure of the Walking Liberty half-dollar is a well-known phenomenon. In a mint-condition, the coin’s market value fluctuates between a modest sum of $30 and a steep $600. Yet, an exceptional specimen, graded MS 68 by expert numismatists, is a rare commodity that commands much greater premiums. Ardent collectors show a readiness to earmark staggering sums ranging from $18,000 to $26,000 to secure such a precious artifact.

One of the most prized acquisitions in this category, an extraordinarily well-preserved 1942 MS 68+ Walking Liberty half dollar, holds its origins to the Philadelphia mint. This majestic piece was the centerpiece of a significant transaction in 2021 at Stack’s Bowers, a renowned auction house. The hammer fell at an impressive $78,000, testament to one collector’s fervor for this invaluable gem.

An Overview of the Rare 1942 Walking Liberty Half-Dollar Coin

In the realm of numismatics, few items can compare to the 1942 Walking Liberty half-dollar coins, particularly those manufactured as proofs at the Philadelphia mint. With a limited mintage of only 21,200, these proof coins naturally command a higher price in the market compared to their regular counterparts. To give you a ballpark figure, the cost can range anywhere from $230 to a whopping $750, with premium prices for specimens in superb condition.

Let’s delve into a more detailed analysis of the value of these 1942 proof coins.

*Data based on Greysheet valuations

As per experts in the field, Walking Liberty proof coins with the highest grades are valued between $3,000 and $25,000. Adding a historical perspective, in 2021, a PR 68 grade coin achieved a record-breaking sale at an auction, fetching an impressive $60,000.

Reflecting on past trends, in 2018, an exceptional PR 66 grade coin, enhanced by cameo contrast, was purchased for a significant sum of $13,513. This was quite remarkable, considering the typical value of such coins hovered around $500 at the time. Such events underline the potential financial appreciation of these rare and historical coins.

The Story of the 1942-Denver Walking Liberty Half-Dollar

In the midst of World War II, Denver took on the role of producing the least amount of Walking Liberty half-dollars in 1942. Only 10,973,800 of these iconic coins bore the ‘D’ mint mark, symbolizing their origin. But intriguingly, the monetary value of these Denver-minted pieces remains largely consistent with their counterparts from Philadelphia, regardless of their lower production volume.

Exceptional quality coins with a grade of MS 68 stand out from the crowd, fetching between $26,000 and $40,000. Pushing the boundaries even further, a record-breaking sale in 2021 saw a particularly passionate collector shelling out a staggering $72,000 for a 1942-D Walking Liberty half-dollar of this grade, a testament to the allure these coins possess.

The Tale of the 1942-San Francisco Walking Liberty Half-Dollar

San Francisco outperformed Denver slightly in terms of production volume of the 1942 Walking Liberty half-dollars, with 12,708,000 coins emanating from the ‘S’ mint. Despite this distinction, the coins from San Francisco and the other two mints are strikingly similar in their base value.

The hunt for an MS 68-grade San Francisco coin has so far proven to be fruitless, making the MS 67-grade ones the most desirable. These rare treasures are believed to be worth anywhere from $20,000 to $30,000. Yet, one extraordinary specimen exceeded expectations and was purchased for $60,000 at Stack’s Bowers in 2021, showing the high ceiling for these coins’ value.

Missteps in the Minting of the 1942 Walking Liberty Half Dollar

During the tumultuous times of World War II, the typically stringent standards in coin minting were often sidestepped, resulting in a few coins bearing interesting deviations. These idiosyncratic treasures, coming from the 1942 Walking Liberty Half Dollar series, hold a special place among numismatists.

The 1942 Half Dollar Coin Mistakenly Born on a Quarter’s Blank

On a cursory examination, one might attribute the existence of this peculiar coin to an ill-positioned die during the minting process. However, that’s far from the truth. The anomaly arose from a mix-up where the Walking Liberty Half Dollar was accidentally minted on a blank intended for a quarter.

To prevent missing this rare numismatic gem, an easy trick is to pay attention to the weight of the coin, which veers closer to that of a standard quarter than a silver half-dollar. Coins of this variety, particularly those in Almost Uncirculated (AU) condition, have a value that could surpass $12,000.

The Breakage of the Die

An even rarer occurrence is when the coin is struck with a damaged die. The value of such a coin, influenced by its minting year, typically falls between $10,000 and $100,000. A remarkable instance of such a coin from 1942 found a new home when it was auctioned off for $36,975.

Variations in Coin Minting

Occasionally, there are instances where the coin’s minting process might involve the engraving die hitting the metal disc, or the planchet, more than once. Such actions can lead to interesting minting anomalies. An example is the Walking Liberty half-dollar coins that were produced in 1942. Those particular, or rare, coins can be extremely valuable to collectors.

These anomalies can cause the Walking Liberty half-dollars to be slightly imperfect or flawed. But these ‘flaws’ can be rather charming for some collectors who appreciate rare collectibles.

Imprint Irregularities

Some anomalies can be more off-center compared to others. They happen when the engraving doesn’t perfectly align with the center of a coin. The extent to which the engraving is off-kilter can range from a negligible 5% to a more noticeable 95%.

That degree of eccentricity or irregularity can be fascinating for those who collect coins. And for them, the more ‘irregular’ or ‘off-center’ a coin is, the more beautiful and valuable it can be.

Those who are interested in numismatics – or the study of coins – can find this aspect of coin collecting quite interesting. They value uniqueness. And, they are drawn to coins that are not made perfectly. That’s why these numismatics collectors are always searching for rare and valuable coins.

Such irregular coins can sometimes fetch higher prices than their perfectly minted counterparts. And they can be a great treasure for those who love to collect coins.

This kind of peculiarity or ‘flaw’ in minting coins is not so ‘flawed’ for collectors. In fact, it is quite ‘valuable’ for them. They love to collect such coins because of their uniqueness. And that’s why the world of numismatics can be so fascinating and rewarding.

That’s why coins that are not made perfectly can be quite charming for some collectors. And, they can be more valuable than ‘regular’ or ‘perfectly made’ coins.

I hope this gives you a glimpse into the world of numismatics. Happy coin collecting!

Read More: 1941 Walking Liberty Half Dollar Value (Rare Errors, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark)

Curiosities Regarding the 1942 Walking Liberty Half Dollar

What sets apart the rare 1942 Walking Liberty half dollar?

The scarcity of the 1942 Walking Liberty half dollar is attributed to a peculiar manufacturing flaw termed ‘die break error.’ These are rarely seen and are present in only a handful of collections, including those minted in the same year.

Which 1942 Walking Liberty half dollars command the highest prices?

There are several 1942 Walking Liberty half dollars that have fetched remarkable prices at auction:

• A record-breaking price of $78,000 was achieved by a 1942 MS 68+ Walking Liberty half dollar at a 2021 Stack’s Bowers auction.
• The 1942 D MS 68 variant was sold for $72,000 at the same auction house in 2021.
• The 1942 PR 68 and 1942 S MS 67+ versions were each sold for $60,000, at Heritage Auctions and Stack’s Bowers, respectively, both in 2021.
• The 1942 PR 66 CAM, sold in 2016 at Legend Rare Coin Auctions, reached a more modest but still substantial $13,513.

What is the valuation of the 1942 Walking Liberty half dollar with no mint mark?

A circulated 1942 Walking Liberty half dollar without a mint mark generally costs between $10 and $25. However, for a mint condition piece, the price can range from $30 to $600. Exceptionally preserved pieces in the MS 68 grade have a market value of $18,000 to $26,000, but the most ever paid for such a coin at auction was a staggering $78,000.

Which Walking Liberty half dollar holds the record for the highest price ever paid?

The most paid for any Walking Liberty half dollar at auction was a whopping $340,750, for a 1918 D MS 66+ coin in 2021. Close on its heels, a 1919 D MS 66 variant fetched $270,250 back in 2004 at Heritage Auctions.