The 1939-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar is a popular coin among collectors, known for its relatively low mintage and striking issues. Minted by the San Francisco Mint, this coin had a production of just 2.55 million pieces, significantly lower than its counterparts from Philadelphia and Denver. Although not rare enough to be considered a “semi-key” coin, the 1939-S Walking Liberty is a valued piece for collectors, especially those looking to complete their sets of Walking Liberty half dollars.
In this guide, we’ll explore the background, significance, and market value of the 1939-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar.
Background of the 1939-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar
After a brief pause in 1938, the San Francisco Mint resumed production of half dollars in 1939, producing 2,552,000 Walking Liberty half dollars. While this was fewer than the numbers made in Denver and Philadelphia, it was still a significant number for its time. Despite the relatively low mintage, these coins were not immediately seen as rare or valuable and were saved by many collectors during the 1930s. The 1939-S coins were easy to obtain for decades after their release, making them more accessible to collectors than other coins from the period.
Key Features of the 1939-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar
- Design: Like most Walking Liberty Half Dollars, the 1939-S features the iconic walking Liberty design on the obverse, with a beautiful eagle on the reverse.
- Striking Issues: One of the most common striking issues for the 1939-S coin is incomplete detail on Liberty’s hand and left leg. Full strikes, where all details are clear, are quite rare.
- Mint Mark: As the “S” mintmark indicates, this coin was minted in San Francisco.
Market Value and Rarity
While the 1939-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar is not considered an extremely rare coin, its value has increased over the years. In 2024, an MS65 (Mint State 65) grade example is priced around $275. However, coins in higher grades, such as MS67+, have been sold for much more. For example, MS68 coins can fetch over $10,000 at auction.
Notable Auction Prices:
- NGC MS68 Example #4913327-002: Sold for $10,800 in January 2021.
- NGC MS68 Example #4882267-003: Sold for $13,800 in September 2019.
- PCGS MS67+ CAC Example #45901463: Sold for $3,877 in October 2022.
Market Data and Population Reports
The population of higher-grade 1939-S Walking Liberty Half Dollars has grown significantly in recent years. As of 2024, there is one MS68 example and over 270 MS67 examples reported by PCGS, along with several MS67+ and MS68 coins tracked by NGC.
| Grade | Population (PCGS) | Price Range | Notable Auction Sale |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS68 | 1 | $10,000+ | $13,800 (NGC MS68, 2019) |
| MS67+ | 34 | $3,000–$6,500 | $4,500 (PCGS MS67+ CAC, 2022) |
| MS67 | 274 | $275–$600 | $1,200 (PCGS MS67, 2021) |
Conclusion
The 1939-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar may not be a key date or ultra-rare coin, but it remains a highly sought-after piece for collectors due to its low mintage, historical significance, and unique striking issues. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a beginner, this coin is a great addition to any collection. As the coin market continues to grow, it’s likely that the value of the 1939-S will continue to appreciate, especially for those who manage to find high-grade examples.
FAQ’s
What is the current value of a 1939-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar?
As of November 2024, a 1939-S in MS65 is valued around $275. Higher-grade examples, such as MS67+ or MS68, can sell for thousands of dollars.
Why are full strikes of the 1939-S coin rare?
The 1939-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar often lacks full definition on Liberty’s hand and left leg, making full strikes relatively uncommon.
Where was the 1939-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar minted?
The “S” mintmark indicates that the 1939-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar was minted at the San Francisco Mint.