1945 Half Dollar Value: P, D & S Mint Marks Compared (Why the 1945-S is Rare)

1945 Half Dollar Value: P, D & S Mint Marks Compared (Why the 1945-S is Rare)

Beyond its numismatic appeal, how much is a 1945 silver half dollar worth at its base level is determined by its silver melt value. Check the content of your coin thorough online coin identifier.

Determining the 1945 Liberty Half dollar value requires assessing its unique characteristics:

  • Condition: Professional grading standards (e.g., Good, Fine, Mint State) define these conditions.

  • Mint Mark: To find out where is the mint mark on a 1945 half dollar, look on the reverse side, to the left of the "HALF DOLLAR" inscription, below the eagle. Different mints had varying production numbers, influencing the rarity and value of each issue. 

  • Errors and Varieties:  Assessing the 1945 half dollar coin value involves grading its condition and identifying errors. Accidental imperfections during minting, like doubled dies or off-center strikes, can turn a common coin into a highly collectible and valuable item. 

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Content Of 1945 Silver Half Dollar Value

Beyond its numismatic appeal, how much is a 1945 silver half dollar worth at its base level is determined by its silver melt value. Check the content of your coin thorough online coin identifier.

  • Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper

  • Total Weight: 12.50 grams

  • Silver Purity:  900 fine silver

  • Actual Silver Weight (ASW): 11.25 grams 

This substantial silver content means that even heavily circulated coins will always have a baseline value, often referred to as their "melt value," which fluctuates with the market price of silver. The 1945 Walking Liberty Half dollar silver content is 90%, contributing to its intrinsic melt value.

Historical Context

The critical turning point for global history occurred in 1945 through the official  conclusion of World War II which ended with Allied triumphs against Germany and Japan. The United States rose  to superpower status following the war while it shifted its focus back to peaceful activities following almost four years of  intense battle.

Coins like the 1945 Walking Liberty Half Dollar were essential for daily commerce during this period of immense national effort and economic activity. The United States became an emblematic representation of its core values including freedom alongside determination and national  vigor throughout this crucial moment in contemporary history.

1945 No Mint Mark (Philadelphia) Half Dollar Value

obverse and reverse of 50C 1945 Walking Liberty No Mint

The Philadelphia Mint, which does not use a mint mark, produced the largest quantity of 1945 Walking Liberty Half Dollars. While common in circulated grades, high-grade uncirculated examples, especially those with strong strikes and original luster, can command significant premiums. 

Coin Specifications:

  • Mintage: 31,502,000 

  • Special Features: Struck in Philadelphia, often found with a good strike but top-tier examples with full details are sought after. The 1945 half dollar Walking liberty design is celebrated for its artistic beauty and historical significance.

Market Value

Grade

Description

Price (USD)

G-4 (Good)

Heavily worn, major features visible

$10 - $12

F-12 (Fine)

Moderate even wear, some detail remains

$11 - $14

VF-20 (Very Fine)

Moderate wear on high points, clear details

$12 - $18

EF-40 (Extremely Fine)

Light wear, most details sharp

$18 - $28

AU-58 (About Uncirculated)

Trace of wear on highest points, nearly full luster

$28 - $45

MS-60 (Mint State)

Uncirculated, possible noticeable flaws

$45 - $60

MS-63 (Mint State)

Uncirculated, attractive strike and luster, minor flaws

$60 - $80

MS-64 (Mint State)

Uncirculated, attractive strike, good luster, few marks

$80 - $120

MS-65 (Gem Mint State)

Uncirculated, strong strike, full luster, very few marks

$150 - $250

MS-66 (Gem Mint State)

Uncirculated, excellent strike and luster, minimal flaws

$300 - $600

MS-67 (Superb Gem MS)

Uncirculated, exceptional strike and luster, minimal flaws

$1,000 - $3,000

MS-68 (Auction Record)

Exceptionally preserved, top-tier example

$66,000


Listed prices are approximate and may vary depending on the coin's condition, market demand, and other factors.

1945-D (Denver) Half Dollar Value

obverse and reverse of 50C 1945 Walking Liberty D Mint

While there is no 1945 Standing Liberty Half dollar as that series ended in 1930 the Walking Liberty was minted in 1945. The 1945 d half dollar value is influenced by its mintage from the Denver Mint and its preservation. While widely available, well-struck examples in higher uncirculated grades are less common and more desirable for collectors.

Coin Specifications:

  • Mintage: 9,966,800 

  • Special Features: Struck at the Denver Mint. The 1945 lady Liberty Half dollar value refers to the Walking Liberty design, depicting Lady Liberty on the obverse.

Market Value

Grade

Description

Price (USD)

G-4 (Good)

Heavily worn, major features visible

$10 - $12

F-12 (Fine)

Moderate even wear, some detail remains

$11 - $14

VF-20 (Very Fine)

Moderate wear on high points, clear details

$12 - $18

EF-40 (Extremely Fine)

Light wear, most details sharp

$18 - $28

AU-58 (About Uncirculated)

Trace of wear on highest points, nearly full luster

$28 - $45

MS-60 (Mint State)

Uncirculated, possible noticeable flaws

$45 - $60

MS-63 (Mint State)

Uncirculated, average and luster, minor flaws

$70 - $100

MS-64 (Mint State)

Uncirculated, attractive, good luster, few marks

$100 - $180

MS-65 (Gem Mint State)

Uncirculated, strong, full luster, very few marks

$200 - $400

MS-66 (Gem Mint State)

Uncirculated, excellent and luster, minimal flaws

$500 - $1,200

MS-67 (Superb Gem MS)

Uncirculated, exceptional and luster, minimal flaws

$2,000 - $5,000

MS-67~ (Auction Record)

Exceptionally preserved, top-tier example

$60,000


Listed prices are approximate and may vary depending on the coin's condition, market demand, and other factors.

1945-S (San Francisco) Half Dollar Value

The 1945 S half dollar value is often higher due to its lower mintage (10,156,000) and typically weaker strikes from the San Francisco Mint, making high-grade examples rarer. This lower mintage, combined with often weaker strikes from the San Francisco Mint, makes well-struck, high-grade examples significantly scarcer and more valuable.

Why the 1945-S is Rare

obverse and reverse of 50C 1945 Walking Liberty S Mint

A well-struck "Full Head" on Miss Liberty is highly desirable for th Liberty 1945 Half Dollar, especially from the San Francisco Mint (1945-S). Coins with sharp detail in Liberty's hair, face, and drapery are much rarer and command a premium. The absence of a strong strike, particularly on the face, is noted for the 1945-S. Therefore, a coin with a strong, full strike showing clear detail on Liberty's head would be considered exceptional.

Identifying a "Full Head":

  • Liberty's Hair: Look for clear separation and detail in the strands of hair, particularly around her ear and forehead.

  • Facial Features: Sharp details in her eye, nose, and mouth.

  • Drapery: Well-defined folds and lines in her gown and cape.

Market Value

Grade

Description

Price (USD)

G-4 (Good)

Heavily worn, major features visible

$10 - $12

F-12 (Fine)

Moderate even wear, some detail remains

$11 - $15

VF-20 (Very Fine)

Moderate wear on high points, clear details

$13 - $20

EF-40 (Extremely Fine)

Light wear, most details sharp

$20 - $35

AU-58 (About Uncirculated)

Trace of wear on highest points, nearly full luster

$35 - $60

MS-60 (Mint State)

Uncirculated, possible noticeable flaws

$60 - $90

MS-63 (Mint State)

Uncirculated, average and luster, minor flaws

$90 - $150

MS-64 (Mint State)

Uncirculated, attractive, good luster, few marks

$150 - $300

MS-65 (Gem Mint State)

Uncirculated, strong, full luster, very few marks

$300 - $600

MS-66 (Gem Mint State)

Uncirculated, excellent and luster, minimal flaws

$700 - $1,500

MS-67 (Superb Gem MS)

Uncirculated, exceptional and luster, minimal flaws

$2,000 - $6,000


Listed prices are approximate and may vary depending on the coin's condition, market demand, and other factors.

Missing Initials Error 

Details of 50C 1945 Walking Liberty Missing Initials Error

The Missing Designer's Initials error on the 1945 Walking Liberty Half Dollar refers to coins where the designer Adolph A. Weinman's initials, "AW," are either completely absent or extremely weak on the coin's obverse. These initials are normally located on the reverse of Liberty's gown, near the bottom right. 

Coin Specifications:

  • Special Features: The primary characteristic of this error is the absence or extreme weakness of the "AW" initials on the obverse, typically located near the hem of Liberty's gown, below her right arm.

  • Identification: Careful examination of the area where the initials should be is necessary to confirm this error. Coins with weak initials are less valuable than those where they are entirely missing.

Market Value 

Grade 

Description

Price (USD)

Very Fine (VF)

Initials missing or extremely weak, coin shows wear

$35 - $75

About Uncirculated (AU-55)

Initials missing or extremely weak, trace of wear, good luster

$124 - $200

Mint State (MS-60)

Uncirculated, initials missing or very weak, possible minor flaws

$22 - $200

Mint State (MS-63)

Uncirculated, initials missing or very weak, attractive, minor flaws

$132 - $375

Mint State (MS-65)

Uncirculated, initials missing or very weak, strong strike, full luster, very few marks

$312 - $1,500

Mint State (MS-66)

Uncirculated, excellent strike and luster, minimal flaws

$600 - $1,200

Mint State (MS-67)

Uncirculated, exceptional strike and luster, minimal flaws

$1,140 - $2,280


The 1945 Walking Liberty Half dollar value can vary on market demand

Double Strike Error

obverse and reverse of 50C 1945 Walking Liberty Double Strike Error

Collectors keenly search for 1945 Walking Liberty Half dollar errors, such as doubled dies or off-center strikes, which can significantly increase value. A double strike error occurs when a coin fails to be properly ejected from the coining press after its initial strike and is then struck a second (or sometimes more) time by the dies. This results in two or more overlapping images of the coin's design on the same planchet. 

Coin Specifications:

  • On-Center Double Strike: The second strike occurs directly on top of the first, often with a slight rotation between strikes, leading to blurred or layered details.

  • Off-Center Double: The coin shifts position after the first strike, resulting in a second, misaligned impression of the design, often with portions of the original design being flattened or obliterated.

  • Die Struck Both Sides: Both sides of the coin show distinct, multiple strikes. These are generally more desirable.

  • Uniface: One side of the coin may appear blank or mushy if it was blocked by another planchet or a die cap during a subsequent strike.

Market Value 

Type of Double Strike & Grade

Description

Price (USD)

Minor On-Center Double 

Subtle doubling, hard to discern without magnification

$50 - $200

Prominent On-Center Double 

Clear, layered images, often with rotation

$200 - $750

Minor Off-Center Double 

Second strike slightly misaligned, full design visible

$150 - $500

Moderate Off-Center Double 

Noticeable misalignment, distinct overlapping images

$500 - $1,500

Significant Off-Center Double 

Dramatic misalignment, clear multiple impressions, part of design missing

$1,500 - $5,000

Multi-Strike (3~ strikes)

Three or more clear overlapping strikes, highly dramatic

$1,000 - $10,000~

Die Struck Both Sides (Highly Dramatic)

Clear, distinct multiple strikes on both obverse and reverse

$1,000 - $10,000~


Listed prices are approximate and may vary depending on the coin's condition, market demand, and other factors.

In conclusion, answering the question “is a 1945 half dollar worth anything?” The rely is absolutely! Far beyond its face value of 50 cents, a 1945 Walking Liberty Half Dollar holds significant value for several reasons. Primarily, it's composed of 90% silver, giving it an inherent melt value that fluctuates with the silver market. This means even heavily circulated coins typically have a value greater than their nominal worth. The 1945 us half dollar coin value is a subject of interest for many numismatists due to the series' popularity and silver content.


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