Price Guide for 1933 Half Dollar Variants
This guide presents price ranges for variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $17.00 – $3,800.00Uncirculated: $1.80 – $66,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $9.99 – $911.00Uncirculated: $355.00 – $6,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $20.00 – $875.00Uncirculated: $1,000.00 – $75,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1933 Half Dollar
The 1933 Walking Liberty Half Dollar was minted during the Great Depression, a time of significant economic hardship in the United States. This coin is part of the highly regarded Walking Liberty series, which ran from 1916 to 1947. The design, created by Adolph A. Weinman, is considered one of the most beautiful in American coinage history.
Notably, 1933 saw reduced mintages across all denominations due to decreased demand for coinage during the economic crisis. This makes the 1933 Half Dollar an interesting representation of its time in American history.
| Weight | 12.5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.6 mm |
| Mint Marks | D, S |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Walking Liberty, designed by Adolph A. Weinman |
| Reverse Design | Eagle with wings spread, designed by Adolph A. Weinman |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1933 Half Dollars has a significant impact on their value. Due to the limited mintage and circulation during the Great Depression, finding high-grade specimens can be challenging. Coins in Mint State (MS) condition are particularly valuable, with premiums increasing sharply for grades MS65 and above.
Strike quality is an important factor, as many 1933 issues can be weakly struck, especially on Liberty’s hand and the eagle’s feathers. Coins with full, sharp details command higher premiums. Luster is also crucial, with coins retaining original mint luster being highly sought after. Natural toning, if present and attractive, can further enhance the coin’s desirability and value.
Mintage: 1,786,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 1,786,000
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Limited Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, particularly for high-grade examples
Several factors contribute to the value of 1933 Half Dollars beyond condition:
1. Historical significance: Being minted during the Great Depression adds to its appeal among collectors and historians.
2. Low mintage: The relatively low production numbers for both mints make this a key date in the series.
3. Design popularity: The Walking Liberty design is widely considered one of the most beautiful in U.S. coinage, increasing overall demand.
4. Silver content: The coin’s 90% silver composition provides intrinsic value beyond its numismatic worth.
5. Preservation rarity: Well-preserved examples are scarce, making high-grade specimens particularly valuable.
