1942 Walking Liberty Half Dollar

About This Coin

The 1942 Walking Liberty Half Dollar is a United States half dollar from the Walking Liberty Half Dollars 1916-1947 series — a late issue, 20th of 25 years in the series. In 1942, coins were struck at the San Francisco, Philadelphia, and Denver Mints with a combined mintage of 71.5 million. This represents the second-highest annual mintage in the series, 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. Produced during World War II, when the Mint altered coin compositions to conserve strategic metals for the war effort. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 12.5 grams, 30 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Collectors have cataloged 11 known die varieties for this date across 2 categories, including doubled die obverse, doubled die reverse. Across its variants, estimated values range from $39 to $635 depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $78K in MS68+ grade at Stack's Bowers. Designed by Adolph Alexander Weinman.