1944-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar
This 1944-S is a relatively scarce coin in the Walking Liberty series designed by Adolph Alexander Weinman. It is the rarest half dollar minted in 1944 and accounts for an estimated 17% of all silver half dollars minted that year.
History
The obverse design of the 1944-S portrays the series' hallmark of Lady Liberty walking towards the sun with a bundle of branches in her arms. The reverse side features an eagle with wings spread to take flight from a rock perch.
Soft strike is an overarching issue with the 1944-S. It is considered the second weakest strike of all Walking Liberty half dollars, trailed only by the 1940-S. Mint state coins are often softly struck through the center. This issue is especially noticeable on Lady Liberty's left hand. A sharply struck 1944-S is a rare find.
Mint state 1944-S half dollars tend to have abrasions at high points due to the soft strike. These high points were present in the planchet, and the dies were unable to smooth out imperfections. However, many certified GEM uncirculated 1944-S coins are graded highly up to MS-65.
Coin Specifications
The 1944-S Walking Liberty half dollar is 90% silver with a weight of 12.5g and a 30mm diameter. This coin has a reeded edge, and the "S" or "D" mint marks are located on the reverse side. There was no mint mark from Philadelphia, PA.
Minor DDR variations and RPMs have been identified among 1944-S coins. RPMs are sometimes found on coins with a large serif 'S' mint mark. A rare Trumpet-Tail S RPM has also been identified.
1944-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar Value
A 1943-S coin in average condition has an approximate intrinsic melt value of $9.00, depending on the price of silver. Total mintage was only 8,904,000 coins. The numismatic value of 1943-S coins could reach up to several hundred for a coin in certified mint state condition or bearing a rare RPM.
