Price Guide for 1946 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: $11.00 – $800.00Uncirculated: $20.00 – $28,200.00
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eBayCirculated: $10.50 – $220.00Uncirculated: $16.99 – $11,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $17.00 – $50.00Uncirculated: $55.00 – $135,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $13.00 – $587.50Uncirculated: $213.00 – $9,400.00
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eBayCirculated: $11.61 – $499.99Uncirculated: $256.75 – $4,150.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $50.00 – $450.00Uncirculated: $500.00 – $10,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $21.01 – $2,200.00Uncirculated: $27.00 – $31,200.00
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eBayCirculated: $15.50 – $117.50Uncirculated: $18.50 – $3,799.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $15.00 – $50.00Uncirculated: $55.00 – $23,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $12.00 – $1,222.00Uncirculated: $26.00 – $38,400.00
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eBayCirculated: $12.00 – $336.00Uncirculated: $0.99 – $14,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $17.00 – $50.00Uncirculated: $55.00 – $36,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $40.00 – $61.00Uncirculated: $264.00 – $2,585.00
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eBayCirculated: $41.02 – $53.00Uncirculated: $333.00 – $1,400.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $40.00 – $450.00Uncirculated: $500.00 – $5,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $43.00 – $240.00Uncirculated: $384.00 – $6,169.93
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eBayCirculated: $67.00 – $250.00Uncirculated: $589.00 – $775.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $50.00 – $450.00Uncirculated: $500.00 – $4,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1946 Half Dollar
The 1946 Walking Liberty Half Dollar marks the final year of this iconic design, which had been in circulation since 1916. It represents a transitional period in American coinage, as it was the last year before the Franklin Half Dollar was introduced in 1948.
This coin was minted immediately after World War II, reflecting a time of economic recovery and optimism in the United States. The Walking Liberty design, with its depiction of Lady Liberty striding towards the dawn of a new day, symbolized the nation’s forward-looking spirit during this post-war era.
| Weight | 12.5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.6 mm |
| Mint Marks | P (no mint mark), 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 1946 Walking Liberty Half Dollars significantly impacts their value. Due to their silver content, many were melted or heavily circulated, making high-grade examples particularly valuable.
Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) command substantial premiums, with those grading MS65 or higher being especially sought after. The presence of full strike details, particularly on Liberty’s hand and the eagle’s feathers, can greatly enhance value.
Luster quality is crucial, with coins exhibiting strong, original mint luster being highly prized. Natural toning, if present, can also add to the coin’s appeal and value, especially if it’s attractive and evenly distributed.
Mintage: 12,118,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 2,151,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved examples
Mintage: 3,724,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate to High, depending on condition
Strike quality is a crucial factor for 1946 Half Dollars. Well-struck coins with full details on Liberty’s hand and the eagle’s feathers are more valuable. The Denver mint issues are often weakly struck, making strong strikes from this mint particularly desirable.
The lower mintage of the Denver issue makes it more valuable in higher grades. For all mint marks, pristine surfaces free from contact marks or abrasions significantly increase value.
As the last year of issue, the 1946 Walking Liberty Half Dollar holds special appeal for collectors, potentially commanding a slight premium over earlier dates in the series, especially in high grades.
