1943-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar
Pocket a 1943-S Walking Liberty half dollar for a valuable addition to your U.S. coin collection. The 1943-S is a San Francisco minted edition of the series that proceeded the Barber half dollar and preceded the Franklin half dollar series. Most "S" mints from the 1940s were rarer than 1943, but it is still more coveted than 1945-S and 1946-S. The coin is 90% silver and 10% copper like all coins in the series.
History
The Walking Liberty was issued by the U.S. Mint between 1916 and 1947, designed by Adolph A. Weinman, a renowned sculptor and engraver, who was chosen by the Commission of Fine Arts through competition. Its inception after Charles Barber's series' of coinage came about because the then Mint's director interpreted the law to mean a new coin design must go into circulation every 25 years. While Weinman's design was appreciated and called "beautiful," it was difficult to perfect. It was also delayed as Weinman got sick with tonsilitis. Each strike in the series has been weak. Some believe the muted result was due to the haste preparing the coin's dies, rushing it through production.
Design specifics
The obverse of the coin bears the full figure of Lady Liberty, a flag billowing behind her as the sun sets in the background. She is depicted striding to the east. The reverse of the coin features an eagle, perched on a mountain crag sprouting mountain pine. The mintmark "s" is also on the reverse. While all strikes were weak, the San Francisco mints during the 40s were particularly faint and Liberty's left hand is sometimes barely visible.
1943-S Walking Liberty half dollar value and mintage
Gem condition coins of the 1943-S Walking Liberty half dollar are scarce and worth a premium. In good uncirculated condition, they can be bought for $68 but coins have sold for $52,875 in Mint state 67 or more. Its mintage is 13,450,000.
