1939 Walking Liberty Half Dollar

About This Coin

The 1939 Walking Liberty Half Dollar is a United States half dollar from the Walking Liberty Half Dollars 1916-1947 series — 17th of 25 years in the series. In 1939, coins were struck at the San Francisco, Philadelphia, and Denver Mints with a combined mintage of 13.6 million. This ranks 14th of 25 years by total mintage, above the series median of 13.3 million. The obverse features Liberty striding confidently toward the sunrise, draped in the American flag, carrying branches of laurel and oak symbolizing civil and military glory and the reverse displays an eagle perched on a mountain crag with wings partially unfurled, a sapling of mountain pine growing beside it. Struck during the Great Depression, when mintages dropped sharply and the United States abandoned the gold standard in 1933. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 12.5 grams, 30 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Collectors have cataloged 9 known die varieties for this date. Across its variants, estimated values range from $39 to $883 depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $50K in MS68+ grade at Legend Rare Coin Auctions. Designed by Adolph Alexander Weinman.