The 1939 Liberty Half Dollar, also known as the Walking Liberty Half Dollar, stands out for its beautiful design and rich history. Created by sculptor Adolph A. Weinman, the coin was first introduced in 1916 to replace the older Barber half-dollar.
Weinman’s work on this coin’s design helped it become one of the most iconic American coins, admired by collectors and historians alike.
What’s in a 1939 Liberty Half Dollar?
The 1939 Liberty Half Dollar is made of 90% silver and 10% copper, making it not only a collectible but also a piece of silver that holds inherent value. Each coin weighs 12.5 grams, has a reeded edge, and measures 30 millimeters in diameter.
The coin’s design is a visual tribute to liberty and strength:
- Obverse Side (Front): Lady Liberty is shown walking toward the sun with an extended right arm and a bundle of branches in her left. Above her is the word “LIBERTY,” while the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears beside her. The year “1939” is stamped below.
- Reverse Side (Back): An eagle is perched on a rocky outcrop, symbolizing resilience, with a small pine sapling growing nearby. The phrases “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” are featured prominently.
Coins minted in Philadelphia lack a mint mark, while those from Denver and San Francisco have “D” or “S” marks, respectively, beneath the pine sapling.
Types of 1939 Liberty Half Dollar Varieties and Their Minting Locations
Four main varieties of the 1939 Liberty Half Dollar were minted. Here’s a quick look at each type:
| Variety | Mint Location | Mintage |
|---|---|---|
| 1939 D Liberty Half Dollar | Denver | 4,267,800 |
| 1939 S Liberty Half Dollar | San Francisco | 2,552,000 |
| 1939 P Liberty Half Dollar | Philadelphia | 6,812,000 |
| 1939 Proof Liberty Half Dollar | Philadelphia | 8,808 |
| Total | 13,640,608 |
Collectibility and Value of Each Variety
1. 1939 D Liberty Half Dollar (Denver Mint)
- The Denver Mint produced nearly ten times more half dollars in 1939 compared to 1938. These coins are typically well-struck, and collectors can often find high-grade examples up to MS-66 and MS-67.
- Value Range: In circulated condition, it’s valued between $15 and $27. Uncirculated, pristine examples can fetch over $10,000.
2. 1939 S Liberty Half Dollar (San Francisco Mint)
- San Francisco produced fewer coins than Denver, making the 1939 S slightly rarer. Well-struck gems can be found up to MS-66 and MS-67 grades.
- Value Range: Between $15 and $87 for circulated coins, while uncirculated versions can be valued at up to $14,250.
3. 1939 P Liberty Half Dollar (Philadelphia Mint)
- Philadelphia minted the highest number of these coins in 1939, offering many excellent examples with attractive, frosty luster. Some even feature a unique doubled-die obverse.
- Value Range: Circulated coins are valued between $15 and $29. Pristine, uncirculated pieces can go up to $15,000 in value.
4. 1939 Proof Liberty Half Dollar
- Philadelphia also produced limited proof coins, highly prized among collectors for their shine and exceptional quality. They are slightly easier to find than the 1938 version.
- Value Range: Between $114 and $230 in circulated condition, while pristine proofs may reach $973.
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Grading and Determining the Value of a 1939 Liberty Half Dollar
Coins are graded on the Sheldon Scale, which assigns a numerical grade from 1 (Poor) to 70 (Mint State Perfect) based on condition. Here’s a quick look at some common grades:
- Good (G-4): Significant wear but major details visible.
- Very Fine (VF-20): Shows moderate wear with fine details.
- Mint State (MS-60 to MS-70): Completely uncirculated with MS-70 considered flawless.
Where Can You Buy or Sell a 1939 Liberty Half Dollar?
Buying or selling the 1939 Liberty Half Dollar is possible at local coin shops, antique stores, or online marketplaces like eBay, Craigslist, Etsy, and Amazon.
Professional services like PCGS or NGC also offer guidance for buying or selling collectible coins if you’re looking for expert assistance.
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How Much is a 1939 Liberty Half Dollar Worth Today?
The base melt value for these coins is around $8.69 due to their silver content. However, collectible value can significantly exceed this based on the coin’s condition and rarity:
- 1939 D: Between $17 and $87 in typical circulated condition; up to $10,000+ uncirculated.
- 1939 S: Around $17 to $220 depending on condition.
- 1939 P: Between $17 and $77, with pristine examples valued at around $15,000.
- 1939 Proof: Worth up to $973 for top-grade pieces.
Editorial Note: This article was created through automated technology, with all details verified and polished by our editorial expert.