1944 Half Dollar Coin Value: How Much Is It Worth?
Are you curious about the 1944 half dollar value? It is a valuable coin with a rich history, and if you have one, it could be worth a lot more than its face value!
In this blog post, we will not only explore the history and features of the 1944 half dollar, but we will also take a good look at the value given to the different grades that these coins can receive. Not to mention, we will also look at some of the most recently surfaced error coins from 1944 and how much they sold for at auction.
So if you’re curious to know what your 1944 half dollar is worth, keep reading!
1944 Half Dollar Value Chart |
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| Mint Mark | Good | Fine | Extremely Fine | Uncirculated |
| 1944 “No Mint Mark” Half Dollar | $15 | $18 | $20 | $39-$55 |
| 1944 “D” Half Dollar | $14 | $18 | $20 | $45-$66 |
| 1944 “S” Half Dollar | $14 | $18 | $20 | $45-$72 |
1944 Half Dollar Value Guides
The 1944 half dollar has a value that is contingent on the condition and grade of the coin. If you are unfamiliar with these terms, let’s take a quick look at what they mean.
Most people know that the condition of a coin can affect its value, but may not understand the different grades and what they mean. Grade is a term used to describe the condition of a coin. Coins are typically graded on a scale from 1 (poor) to 70 (perfect), and the higher the grade, the more valuable the coin.
There are four main grades: Good, Fine, Extremely Fine, and Uncirculated. Coins that have never been in circulation and are perfect or nearly perfect can also be called in Mint State condition.
When assessing the grade of a coin, there are several factors to consider, including but not limited to luster, strike, preservation, and color, for example.
Luster describes how much light reflects off of the surface of the coin. A high-luster coin looks shiny and new, while a low-luster coin looks dull and aged.
Strike is how well the design was struck onto the planchet (the blank piece of metal that becomes the coin) when it was minted. A weak strike will show signs of missing details or incomplete design features, and a strong strike will show all the details as clearly defined.
Preservation refers to how well-preserved the coin is and if there are any signs of damage or wear, and finally, color describes the coloration of the coin.
1944 “No Mint Mark” Half Dollar Value
As we mentioned earlier, if you look at your 1944 half dollar and there is no mint mark on it, then it was produced at the Philadelphia Mint. Coins like this are highly sought after by collectors and can be quite valuable — depending on the condition of the coin.
With 28,206,000 coins made at the Philadelphia Mint, the 1944 half dollar is considered to be a relatively common coin — but that doesn’t mean it’s not valuable.
In Good condition, this coin can bring in about $15, while a Fine condition coin might bring in around $18. Coins in Extremely Fine condition are worth around $20, and Uncirculated will have a value of somewhere between $39 and $55, or it could be worth more.
1944 “D” Half Dollar Value
The 1944 half dollar made at the Denver Mint features a small “D” mint mark located on the reverse side, beneath the eagle. This coin is considered to be rarer with only 9,769,000 coins produced.
In Good condition, you’ll find these coins to be worth around $14, and in Fine condition, this coin can bring in $18. In Extremely Fine condition, the Denver-minted 1944 half dollars are worth around $20, and lastly, the Uncirculated condition coins have a value of at least $45 but up to $66 on average.
1944 “S” Half Dollar Value
The 1944 “S” half dollar was minted at the San Francisco US Mint location. Only 8,904,000 of these coins were produced, making it significantly rarer than its Philadelphia counterpart (and somewhat rarer than its Denver counterpart).
You will find that in Good condition, the 1944 “S” half dollar is worth about $14, and the coins in Fine condition have a value of $18. The half dollars in Extremely Fine condition are worth about $20, and Uncirculated condition half dollars are worth between $45 and $72 or more. As you can see, the most money is made in the Uncirculated condition coins.
1944 Proof Half Dollar Value
A Proof coin is a very shiny minted coin that never saw circulation. It was made specifically for coin collectors.
While many coins over the years have had a Proof coin made, the 1944 half dollar unfortunately did not.
Related Posts: 26 Most Valuable Half Dollar Coins In Circulation
1944 Half Dollar Error Coins
There are a couple of error half dollars from 1944 that you will want to watch for. In case you didn’t know, an error coin is a coin that shows slight or major differences to a standard minted coin. In other words, an error happens when the coin is minted.
Sometimes that error can be extremely obvious. Other times, you need a coin magnifying glass to see it. Either way, if you find an error or variety on your 1944 half dollar, it just might bump up your coin’s value.
1944 Half Dollar with Hand Cut AW Variety
Image Credit: greatcollections
This isn’t so much an error as it is a “variety” of the 1944 half dollar. Most of the Walking Liberty coins have a stamped AW on the reverse at the bottom right, beneath the eagle. AW are the artist’s initials.
However, in some of the 1944 half dollars, the AW was hand cut into the coin, rather than being stamped on during the minting process. This error is found on the 1944 “D” half dollar.
At a Mint State 65, this variety can be worth an impressive $150 – not too bad for a fifty cent piece!
1944 Half Dollar with No AW Variety
The 1944 half dollar with no AW variety is a bit different from the hand cut variety. In this case, there is no AW inscribed at all on the reverse of the coin. If you are lucky enough to find this amazing find, your 1944 half dollar value may be about $125, if the coin is in nearly perfect condition.
1944 Half Dollar with Repunched Error
The 1944 half dollar with a repunched error is a rare variety found on the “S” half dollar from 1944. Basically, it features an extra “punch” on the “S” mint mark on the coin’s reverse.
In nearly pristine condition, this unique piece can be worth anywhere from about $200 to $275, depending on the exact mint mark repunching positioning!
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History of the 1944 Half Dollar
First, let’s take a look at the history of the 1944 half dollar – also known as the Walking Liberty half dollar.
The Walking Liberty half dollar coin was first minted in 1916 and was in production for over 30 years before it ceased production in 1947. It was designed by Adolph A. Weinman, who also designed the Mercury dime, as well as some sculptures on patriotic architecture in Washington DC.
The half dollar features a walking Lady Liberty on the obverse side of the coin. The reverse side of the coin features a majestic eagle about to fly.
The Walking Liberty half dollar coins are highly sought after by collectors due to their beautiful design, historical significance, and scarcity. Since they are considered to be one of the most iconic coins ever struck by the U.S Mint, they continue to gain in value with each passing year. The half dollar from 1944 is no exception.
When they were first released into circulation in 1916, these half dollars had a face value of fifty cents ($0.50). Mintages for any given year can range from millions to tens of millions, depending on economic conditions at the time – this can influence how rare or common certain years can be when looking for them today. For example, 1944 had nearly 49 million half dollars produced!
People can estimate the value of their Walking Liberty half dollar based on the condition it is currently in — whether it be good, fine, extremely fine or uncirculated — though certified grades by NGC or PCGS may need to be obtained for more accurate estimates. With so many variations available out there due to different mints produced throughout its lifetime and error coins recently surfacing; it is no wonder why collectors continuously seek out these classic United States coins!
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How to Identify 1944 Half Dollar?
The 1944 half dollar has a few distinctive features that set it apart from other American coins. Let’s look at the design on the obverse side, the design on the reverse side, the metal composition of the half dollar, the 1944 half dollar’s mint marks, and its shape and size.
Obverse of the 1944 Half Dollar
On the obverse side, you will find a very detailed image of Lady Liberty walking towards the sun rising to her right side (the coin’s left side) while carrying branches of oak and laurel in her left. On her shoulders drapes a starry American flag blowing in the wind.
This was possibly meant to symbolize the strength and hope of America during times of hardship.
The word, “LIBERTY” follows along the top rim of the coin, and the phrase, “IN GOD WE TRUST” is stamped on the bottom right side of the coin.
Reverse of 1944 Half Dollar
On the reverse side, you will find an eagle perched atop a mountain crag with wings aloft — this symbolizes American patriotism, peace, and strength. The words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” line the top of the rim. Beneath the eagle is the phrase, “HALF DOLLAR”, and to the eagle’s left, you will find the phrase, “E PLURIBUS UNUM”, which means “Out of Many, One” in Latin.
If there is a mint mark, you’ll find it on the bottom left side.
Other Features of the 1944 Half Dollar
Now, let’s take a look at the other features of this half dollar.
Metal Composition
The 1944 half dollar is composed of 90% silver, 10% copper – not only for its strength and durability but also for its bright, silvery luster.
Mint Marks
The 1944 half dollar has one mint mark on the reverse side (on the left side at the bottom, beneath the eagle looking on). This coin was made at three different mints before going into circulation: Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (“D”), and San Francisco (“S”). In other words, the Philadelphia coins had no mint mark, while those issued from either Denver or San Francisco will have a small letter indicating where they were produced.
Size and Weight
This coin measures 30.6 millimeters in diameter and weighs 12.5 grams. It has reeded edges that provide grip when handling it — making it both attractive and practical.
Frequently Asked Questions
Now that you know a bit more about the 1944 half dollar value, you might have some other questions.
Where Can I Find a 1944 Half Dollar?
If you are looking for a 1944 half dollar, you may be able to find them at antique or coin stores. It is harder to find them there, though. You could also look online for one, which is much easier – this includes online marketplaces or even online auction sites, such as eBay or Craigslist.
What is the Best Way to Clean Your 1944 Half Dollar?
Many people who are newer to the coin collecting world wonder how they should clean their coins. However, it is highly advised not to clean your coins, as it can damage them and reduce their value. If you are unsure of how to properly clean a coin, it is best not to do it at all.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 1944 half dollar is a rare and valuable coin due to its historical significance, scarcity, and overall beauty. It can be worth a lot of money if you are lucky enough to find a good condition coin or one with an error. Be sure to look around for these coins as they are quite valuable and can make a great addition to any coin collection!
Good luck and happy hunting!
Have you come across a 1944 half dollar? What was its condition and value? Let us know in the comments below!