The 1943 Walking Liberty Half Dollar remains a significant coin from the early 20th century. Thanks to its beautiful design and notably large size, many collectors find interest in this desirable piece. However, the prospect of purchasing one in excellent condition is quite tricky, but not impossible to find.
So today, we’ll look further at how much a 1943 Half Dollar is worth and if there are any rare error coins worth collecting.
| 1943 Half Dollar Value Chart | |||
| Coin Grade | 1943-P Half Dollar | 1943-D Half Dollar | 1943-S Half Dollar |
| Good (G4) | $12 | $12 | $12 |
| Fine (F12) | $13.50 | $13.50 | $13.50 |
| Extremely Fine (XF40) | $18.50 | $18.50 | $18.50 |
| About Uncirculated (AU50) | $22-$22.50 | $25-$27.50 | $25-$27.50 |
| Uncirculated (MS60) | $35-$37.50 | $55-$57 | $55-$57 |
| Gem Uncirculated (MS65) | $115-$130 | $155-$200 | $220-$300 |
| Superb Gem Uncirculated (MS67) | $550-$1,700 | $575-$1,650 | $4,000-$10,000 |
of The 1943 Half-Dollar
During the Second World War, America’s coin and paper bill underwent modifications to serve the war effort. That is to help mobilize the economy in the best way possible to support fully the armed forces. Artillery and armor plates utilized copper and nickel, and Mints maximized the use of zinc-plated steel and silver instead.
With a high stockpile of silver, the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mints released 77,986,000 pieces of 1943 Walking Liberty Half Dollar. This massive count also made it one of the highest mintages for the whole series, despite the U.S. being engaged in World War II.
In terms of 1943 minting, most coins came weakly struck and displayed several obverse doubling. It is because of the doubled master die used during production. Many collectors in the modern era submitted these dated error coins for variety attribution. However, the NGC does not further acknowledge this because of high commonality.
1943 Half Dollar Coin Information
- Category: Walking Liberty Silver Half Dollar (1916-1947)
- Face Value: 50 Cents
- Obverse-Reverse Designer: Adolph A. Weinman
- Metal Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
- Weight: 12.50 grams
- Diameter: 30.00 millimeters
- Edge: Reeded
The 1943 Half Dollar is given the moniker of “Walkers” because of its admirable Walking Liberty emblem. Specifically, late-walkers’ short sets from 1941 to 1947 are popular among hobbyists because of their historical significance. But others also seek single yet high-grade 1943 examples due to its patriotic design.
1943 Half Dollar Obverse and Reverse Design
The Walking Liberty Half Dollar is one of the most beautiful American coins ever minted. Adolph Weinman highlighted the full-length figure of the Liberty walking towards the dawn while carrying branches of oak and laurel.
These designs depicted civil and military glory, in line during wartime. Meanwhile, the word LIBERTY is spaced evenly on top to create an arch, while the motto IN GOD WE TRUST and the mint year can be seen on the lower half.
The reverse side continued to show patriotic emblems by showcasing a sublime eagle perched on a mountain crag. The eagle stands with an authoritative pose while holding a sapling of mountain pine.
These tiny details springing in the rock symbolize health, long life, and peace. On the tail side are the inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, and HALF-DOLLAR.
1943 Half Dollar Varieties and Valuation
After knowing the specifications and design of the 1943 Half Dollar, let’s now see how much each type is worth.
1943-P No Mint Mark Half Dollar Value
The 1943-dated half dollar was minted during the peak of America’s wartime production. The Philadelphia Mint released 53,190,000 business strikes, setting the highest record among the series. And to back it up, it took 20 long years before a sole Mint surpassed the record.
With such a massive number, it is easy to expect the commonality of this coin, even the Gem MS-65 and better. But despite this, it is still treated as a valuable piece and sells for several dollars more than its intrinsic value.
Today, a 1943-P no-mint mark half-dollar in circulation is valued between $11.50 and $32.50, while an uncirculated condition can fetch from $35 to $6,000. But to thoroughly differentiate the worth of those in mint state condition, you can check the price guide table below.
| 1943 (P) Half Dollar Value List | |
| Grading | Estimated Value |
| MS-60 | $35-$37.50 |
| MS-61 | $40-$37.50 |
| MS-62 | $45-$50 |
| MS-63 | $55-$60 |
| MS-64 | $70-$85 |
| MS-65 | $115-$130 |
| MS-66 | $170-$250 |
| MS-67 | $550-$1,700 |
| MS-68 | $6,000 |
These are just estimates and can vary depending on the current market value of the silver metal, supply and demand, and rarity of the coin. For instance, an MS-60 had an estimated value of $30 back in 2021, then increased to $35 by the end of the year, and remained unchanged till today.
On another occurrence, a downslope can happen if the census report suddenly increases. MS-67 was well over $560 in 2020 but remained at $550 in the following years.
But recently, the 1943 half-dollar showed impeccable sale prices in auction records. An example is the 1943 MS-68+ Half Dollar, with a price realized of $120,000 during a 2021 auction.
The coin is considered the finest known specimen, and many enthusiasts vied for it, thus ending with a premium value. In fact, the record was so high that it left a tremendous gap for an MS-68 sold at $35,250 by Legend Rare Coin Auctions.
1943-D Half Dollar Value
After the Great Depression, the Mints were able to produce more than the average amount of business strike coins. And it showed as Denver Mint coined 11,346,000 pieces of 1943-D Half Dollar. Most coins are well-struck with incredible frosty luster, and Gems are common until MS-67. However, PCGS only recorded six examples deserving of an MS-68 grade.
Today, a circulated 1943-D Half Dollar is worth around $11.50 to $50, while an uncirculated condition can reach from $55 to $7,000. It is a few dollars higher than the Philadelphia coin because of the additional D mintmark on the reverse side. Also, Denver offers outstanding strikes on their coin, making an excellent issue.
| 1943-D Half Dollar Value List | |
| Grading | Estimated Value |
| MS-60 | $55-$57 |
| MS-61 | $60-$62 |
| MS-62 | $65-$70 |
| MS-63 | $80-$90 |
| MS-64 | $110-$115 |
| MS-65 | $155-$200 |
| MS-66 | $250-$350 |
| MS-67 | $575-$1,650 |
| MS-68 | $7,000 |
Like Philadelphia, the 1943-D marked coin in mint state condition also had a few dollar increase and decrease in estimated value for the past five years.
In 2019, an MS-60 was valued at $40 but increased to $55 in the third quarter of 2021 and remained unchanged until 2023. However, the case was different for Gem conditions. In 2019, an MS-68 was worth $700, although it plummeted to $575 from 2021 until today. Let’s see how much it can fetch when placed in an open auction.
According to PCGS, the finest known example for a 1943-D Half Dollar has a grade of MS-68. It was sold by Bowers & Merena for $51,175 during a 2006 auction. But the most recent that sold for thousands of dollars was an MS-68 condition in 2021. Stack’s Bowers reached a sale price of $36,000 for the 1943-D Half Dollar, thanks to its excellent strike characteristics and smooth mint luster.
1943-S Half Dollar Value
The San Francisco Mint is known for its proof coins. However, the Walking Liberty Half Dollar has no proof coins from 1943 to 1949 because of World War 2.
San Francisco minted 13,450,000 pieces of circulation strike 1943-S Half Dollar. It is the highest production of the Mint for the whole series, exceeding its record in 1918 during World War I. However, it is rarer in number than 1945-S and 1946-S but enough to outnumber the other 1940s S-Mints.
The 1943-S Half Dollar is one of the key dates to the 1940-1947 Walking Liberty set. That is especially true for sharply struck gems that are very scarce and command a premium price.
Today, a circulated 1943-S Half Dollar is valued at $11.50 to $50, while an uncirculated condition can range from $55 to $10,000. Looking at it, the S-marked half dollars offer the highest estimated value among the three Mints.
| 1943-S Half Dollar Value List | |
| Numerical Grading | Estimated Value |
| MS-60 | $55-$57 |
| MS-61 | $60-$62 |
| MS-62 | $65-$70 |
| MS-63 | $80-$90 |
| MS-64 | $110-$115 |
| MS-65 | $220-$300 |
| MS-66 | $500-$985 |
| MS-67 | $4,000-$10,000 |
The 1943-S in MS-60 through MS-64 grade have the same value as 1943-D half dollars. However, it shows a few dollars increase from MS-65 and above.
According to PCGS, the 1943-S MS-67+ Half Dollar is the finest known example of this type. It was sold for $66,000 by Stack’s Bowers during the 2021 U.S. Coins Auctions.
The coin has a smooth surface with a pastel iridescence running through the edge of the coin. Another of the same grade also follows suit—although untoned—with a sale price of $52,875 sold by Legend Rare Coin Auctions.
List of 1943 Half Dollar Error Coins
The majority of error coins come from the Philadelphia Mint, and most of them have doubled die. However, it is so common that NGC does not acknowledge it as an error for this issue. But here are other types available on an e-commerce platform.
1943-P Half Dollar Obverse Lamination Mint Error
Here is a 1943 no-mintmark half-dollar with a lamination error on the obverse side. You can see a planchet flaw under the letter T of LIBERTY. It is caused by alloy contaminants, causing the metal to separate on the horizontal plane.
In the photo, you’ll also notice black spots on the edges of the obverse side. However, these black spots are more likely caused by improper storage than being a Mint error.
This coin can sell for approximately $100 but can fetch more if not affected by oxidation.
1943-P Half Dollar Lamination Cracks Error With DDR
Lamination cracks (or delamination errors) are a type of planchet error where the surface of the coin flakes. It is similar to the above in that it resulted from alloy contaminants. However, this is more of a common manifestation. In the photo, you’ll notice a crack crossing from Liberty’s arm to the sun.
This coin can range between $90 to $100.
1943 Half-Dollar Broadstrike Error
Broadstrike error coins are scarce, especially for the Walking Liberty series. It is flatter, broader, and heavier than the original half-dollar specification. Broadstrike coins happen when the planchet is not retained in the collar upon striking, causing an excess metal on the coin piece.
Additionally, the details must be complete to be considered a broadstrike error. In the photo, you’ll see that the elements are still intact but have an incomplete edge, which is more prominent on the reverse side.
This coin can sell for roughly $800 to $1000.
1943-S Half Dollar Obverse Struck Through Error
There are occasions when an object or substance gets between the die and the planchet, causing an unintentional indent on the surface of the coin. The most common marks are from cloth and grease, but there are also unidentified objects like the one in the photo. This coin sells for only $30 because of the visible wear and black spots from oxidation. But it can sell higher if maintained in good condition.
1943-P Walking Liberty Small Cud and Reverse Die Gouge Error
Here is a 1943 no-mint mark walking Liberty with multiple errors. It has DDR, a small cud, and a die gouge. The small cud can be seen on the reverse side, on the tip of T of the word UNITED. It is a minimal blob but enough to obliterate the intricate details of the letter.
Another error on this coin is a die gouge located between the eagle’s legs. It happens when a foreign material gets dragged and burrows into the die face. The result can be a surface indentation or a raised polishing line. This specific coin sells for $35 because most details are worn out and have signs of oxidation.
Jenson is a professional numismatist, a dedicated coin collector, a graduate of the College of Business at Oregon State, a life member of the American Numismatic Association (ANA), and an overall coin nerd. He is the founder of Coin Value List.