The Walking Liberty half dollar is one of the most beloved vintage U.S. coins, prized by collectors for its iconic design and 90% silver content. The 1943 half dollars in particular have added historical significance as "wartime" issues, struck in the middle of World War II.
Depending on the mint, condition, and varieties, 1943 half dollars can range in value from $10 to over $100,000. In this in-depth guide, we‘ll explore everything you need to know about 1943 half dollar values, from the most common examples in circulated condition to the ultra-rare varieties that make headlines at auction.
The History and Design of the 1943 Walking Liberty Half Dollar
First issued in 1916, the Walking Liberty half dollar was designed by renowned sculptor Adolph A. Weinman. The obverse features a full-length figure of Liberty striding toward the dawn, wrapped in the folds of the American flag with her right hand outstretched. The reverse depicts a majestic eagle perched on a rocky crag, wings unfolded.
Weinman‘s design is considered one of the most beautiful in all of American coinage. The Walking Liberty half dollar was minted every year from 1916 to 1947, except for 1922 when no half dollars were struck. The 1943 issues came roughly halfway through the series run.
During World War II, the U.S. Mint continued to produce circulating coinage to meet demand, even as some metals like nickel and copper grew scarce due to the war effort. The 1943 half dollars were minted in the standard 90% silver and 10% copper alloy used throughout the series.
1943 Half Dollar Mintages and Values by Mint
Walking Liberty half dollars were struck at three different mint facilities in 1943. Each mint used its own mint mark on the reverse: no mint mark for Philadelphia, "D" for Denver, and "S" for San Francisco. The total mintage across all three facilities was just under 78 million coins.
Here‘s a breakdown of the mintages and values for the regular 1943 half dollar issues:
- 1943 (Philadelphia): 53,190,000 minted. Average circulated value $13 to $20. Mint state values: MS-60 $26, MS-65 $130, MS-66+ $1,000 to $50,000.
- 1943-D (Denver): 11,346,000 minted. Average circulated value $13 to $20. Mint state values: MS-60 $28, MS-65 $160, MS-66+ $1,000 to $25,000.
- 1943-S (San Francisco): 13,450,000 minted. Average circulated value $13 to $20. Mint state values: MS-60 $100, MS-65 $850, MS-66+ $2,000 to $50,000.
As you can see, the mint state values escalate dramatically in grades MS-66 and higher. That‘s because relatively few 1943 half dollars survived over 75 years without wear or damage. PCGS has certified just 73 1943 examples in MS-66 and a mere 5 in MS-67, with none higher. Well-preserved specimens are very scarce.
1943 Proof Half Dollar Coins and Special Varieties
Proof coins are specially-minted examples with mirror-like fields and frosted devices, made for collectors rather than circulation. Typically a few thousand proofs would be struck for each coin every year. However, the U.S. Mint suspended proof coin production from 1943 to 1949 due to the war.
As a result, no regular proof 1943 half dollars were minted. However, a small number of 1943-S half dollars have been discovered with a proof-like finish. These are believed to be presentation strikes or special one-off strikings made with polished dies. PCGS has graded just 13 1943-S coins as proof-like, with the finest PR-67 example realizing $9,000 at auction in 2006.
Another prized variety is the 1943/1942 D and S overdates. On some 1943-D and 1943-S dies, traces of the "2" in the 1942 date were still visible beneath the "3" when the dies were hubbed. These overdates are rare, especially in mint state. PCGS has certified only 14 1943/1942-D examples, with values ranging from $1,500 in XF condition to over $20,000 in uncirculated grades. Just 29 1943/1942-S overdates have been graded by PCGS, with prices from $1,000 to $30,000+ depending on condition.
1943 Half Dollar Error Coins and Their Values
With tens of millions of half dollars minted in 1943, some error coins managed to escape quality control and enter circulation. Error coins are prized by collectors and can bring substantial premiums. Here are some of the notable types of errors found on 1943 half dollars:
- Off-center strike: If the coin is not centered between the dies when struck, part of the design will be missing. The value depends on how far off-center the strike is. A 1943 half 5% to 10% off-center might bring $100 to $200, while a dramatic 50% off-center error could sell for over $1,000.
- Double strike: If the coin is struck twice by the dies in slightly different positions, a partial ghost image of the design will be visible. Values range from $200 for a minor double strike to $2,000+ for a strong, dramatic double strike.
- Planchet errors: Walking Liberty planchets were punched from blank strips and weighed before striking. Sometimes the wrong size planchet or even a foreign planchet would be fed into the presses by mistake. A 1943 half dollar struck on a quarter planchet would be worth $3,000 to $5,000. One struck on a Peruvian half sol planchet sold for $20,000.
Major die breaks, clashed dies, odd engravings, and other errors add to the diversity of 1943 half dollar varieties. Error coins are popular because each one is unique – no two are exactly alike.
Grading and Valuation – Tips for Collectors
With such a wide range of potential values, how can you determine what your 1943 half dollar is worth? The two key factors are the coin‘s condition and whether it‘s a regular issue or a scarce variety.
To judge condition, familiarize yourself with the basic grading scale from 1 to 70 used by services like PCGS and NGC. Low-grade coins with heavy wear might grade Good-4 or VG-8, while a flawless mint state example could grade MS-67 or higher. Look for signs of wear on the high points of the design like Liberty‘s leg and head or the eagle‘s breast feathers.
To spot varieties, you‘ll need a 5x or 10x magnifier and detailed photographs of overdates and other die variations. Error coins can often be spotted with the naked eye, but attribution requires sending them to experts.
If you think you have a rare variety or error, it‘s best to have it certified by a grading service or show it to experienced dealers for an opinion. But for most circulated 1943 half dollars, a little basic grading knowledge goes a long way.
As a starting point, a typical 1943 half dollar in low circulated grades might sell for its silver value of around $10. In Choice XF-45, prices jump to $20 or $25. The sweet spot for an attractive circulated example would be AU-55, at around $35 to $40 retail.
In uncirculated condition, the most common 1943 (P) issues start at $130 in MS-65. From there, values quickly accelerate. The record price for a 1943 half is $132,000 for a phenomenal PCGS MS-68+ example sold in 2021. While this coin had eye appeal and quality that most collectors can only dream about, more attainable mint state examples in MS-63 to MS-65 grades are available for $60 to $200.
Collecting 1943 Half Dollars on a Budget
Walking Liberty half dollars are widely collected as a 65-piece set from 1941 to 1947, a shorter run than completing the entire 1916-1947 series. The 1943 issues are some of the most affordable in the set and make a great place to start for collectors on a budget.
Consider setting a goal to acquire an example from each of the three mints in either circulated or mint state. A complete 1943 (P), 1943-D, and 1943-S trio in mid-grade circulated condition might cost $80 to $100. That‘s an affordable way to hold a piece of World War II coinage history in your hands, with classic 90% silver U.S. coins.
If you‘re aiming for higher-grade uncirculated examples, a complete trio in MS-64 to MS-65 could serve as an impressive showpiece in a Walking Liberty half dollar set. Expect to spend $600 to $1,400 for a matching 1943 (P), 1943-D, and 1943-S in those grades. While that‘s not pocket change, such a set has excellent appeal and value among 20th century U.S. coin types.
Whether you encounter a 1943 half dollar in the wild or seek one out for your collection, knowing the key dates, varieties, and values will make you a smarter buyer. Gem quality examples may be record-setters, but even a toned circulated specimen is a historic treasure with its 90% silver content and classic American design. Happy collecting!
