1943 Half Dollar: More Than Just Metal

In the middle of the war, the United States faced a unique challenge when the nation, as well as all spheres of production, had to adapt to the harsh realities of a global conflict. The 1943 Walking Liberty half dollar is a fine example of how the American monetary sector dealt with metal shortages, wartime efforts, and economic crises as a whole. 

In this material, one may get acquainted with the already-gone numismatic creation that has been a fascinating relic for many decades. Which features identify the coin as a valuable asset? Which circumstances affect the value? And where is the mint mark on a 1943 half dollar? Let us check it together.

First of All, Historical Context

1943 was a significant year in American and world history, though it might be overshadowed by more triumphant or catastrophic times. Back then, the entire nation of the United States was preparing for World War II. Resources like copper were urgently needed for military production, leaving little for civilian use. As a result of this, the US Mint, the main authority responsible for coin production, faced a major challenge that forced it to modify its coin output to accommodate the needs.

Prior to the war, the design of the half dollar was considered iconic. In fact, it was released in 1916 as a part of a broader initiative to alter and modernize the American coinage. By that time, American coins had not altered much since the late 1800s, which was a big problem, though. Being not satisfied with the lack of artistry in the coins, President Theodore Roosevelt launched the "program" that aimed to beautify the dimes, quarters, and half dollars in particular and make them more creative.

This is when a new design developed, by sculptor Adolph A. Weinman, appeared.

What Does the 1943 Walking Liberty Half Dollar Look Like? 

Let us turn to the design in more detail. The obverse side showcases Lady Liberty draped in a flowing gown approaching a rising sun with a laurel and oak branch in her hands. As for the inscriptions, one may see the legendary motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" to the right of the figure, the word "LIBERTY" curve above Liberty, and the minting year "1943" below.

The reverse, in turn, depicts a majestic American eagle holding an olive branch and the arrows, with its wings spread wide, perched atop the rock. The inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "HALF DOLLAR" are arranged in a circle around the eagle, with the motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM" displayed to the left. Here, one may also notice the mint mark just below the eagle’s right (if it was not minted in Philadelphia, though).

The look itself cannot define the 1943 half dollar value, but the grade, luster, existing errors, and mint locations can. But how much do these elements really impact the worth? 

How Much Is a 1943 Half Dollar Worth? Varieties Included

The 1943 Walking Liberty half dollar value usually depends on a combination of factors, including the coin grade attributed by a professional grading service, mint mark, and any mistake variety not to mention. Even though the basic design may boast historical significance, the current market worth is a compound that does not rely on the presupposed appearance only.

Mint Marks and Mintage Figures

As such, the 1943 Liberty half dollar was struck by three major mints located in Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. In this case, the mintage figures were quite low, which is why the value of the coins that were barely distributed (when compared to other issues, for sure) went up extremely high.

Coins produced at the San Francisco Mint are of particular interest since they comprised a limited quantity of proof-like coins in addition to the regular Mint State (MS) edition. To be more precise, these proof-like coins (not to be confused with proofs proper) have a smooth, mirror-like polish and command higher prices because of their eye-catching beauty.

Errors 

Errors are always about the great value (especially, if these are rare and aesthetically appealing). As for the 1943 Walking Liberty half dollar errors, they generally include off-center strikes, double dies, die cracks and chips, and instances with clipped planchets. However, other imperfections might be surprising and never belong to the above-mentioned types.

Coin Grades and Their Impact on Value

One of the most crucial elements affecting the 1943 Liberty half dollar value is its grade. Wear, luster, imperfections, and general appeal are some of the characteristics that define the state of the coin and, hence, its grade. 

As a standard, numismatic associations, as well as professional grading agencies, employ the Sheldon Scale (which ranges from 1 to 70):

• Poor PO-1 (heavily worn, with almost all of the design details obliterated coin).

• Fair FR-2 (significant wear, with only a few faint design details visible).

• About Good AG-3 (some of the design details are visible).

• Good G-4 to G-6 (considerable wear, but most of the design elements are still recognizable).

• Very Good VG-8 to VG-10 (heavy wear, but all major design features are still well-defined)

• Fine F-12 to F-15 (moderate wear).

• Very Fine VF-20 to VF-35 (moderate wear on the high points only).

• Extremely Fine XF-40 to XF-45 (light wear, primarily on the highest points).

• About Uncirculated AU-50 to AU-58 (minimal wear).

• Mint State MS-60 to MS-70 (no wear, pristine, or almost pristine condition). 

!The higher the grade, the higher the price!

What Is the Worth? 

The most intriguing question is “How much do these coins cost?”. So, the value of a half dollar 1943 can significantly vary, and some auction records cannot be explained. This is purely about the demand and personal preferences that may not align with the current agenda. Anyway, here are the approximate values of 1943 half dollars provided by the Coin ID Scanner app, i.e., a software designed specifically for numismatists to identify and evaluate their coins on the spot.

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The charm of coins should be the first thing to consider. If you like the coin but it is not as worthy as other instances, do not hesitate to obtain it either way. In the end, it is about satisfaction rather than benefits and financial success.

Sources: 

1. https://kids.usmint.gov/about-the-mint/half-dollar

2. https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/coin/1943-50c/6618