The 1936 Liberty Half Dollar is one of the most beautiful silver coins ever made by the United States. Designed by Adolph A. Weinman, this coin was produced from 1916 to 1947, and it has become a collector’s treasure due to its iconic design and rarity. But what exactly makes this coin special, and how valuable is it today?
6 of the Most Valuable U.S. Dollar Coins – Are They Hiding in Your Collection?
What’s the 1936 Liberty Half Dollar Made Of?
This coin, known as the Walking Liberty Half Dollar, has a face value of $0.50. It weighs 12.50 grams and is made of 90% silver and 10% copper. The coin has a diameter of 30 millimeters and features a reeded edge.
The obverse side shows Lady Liberty walking toward the rising sun with her right arm extended, carrying a bundle of branches in her left arm. Behind her, you’ll see the phrase “In God We Trust” and the word “Liberty” at the top. The mint year 1936 is marked at the bottom.
On the reverse, there’s an eagle perched on a rocky outcrop, with a pine sapling symbolizing strength. Above the eagle, the phrase “E Pluribus Unum” (meaning “Out of many, one”) is displayed, with “United States of America” along the upper rim. Coins minted in Denver and San Francisco feature a “D” or “S” mint mark, respectively, near the pine seedling, while coins from Philadelphia have no mint mark.
1936 Liberty Half Dollar Varieties
In 1936, three major varieties of the Liberty Half Dollar were minted in Denver, San Francisco, and Philadelphia. Here’s a breakdown of the mintage numbers:
- 1936 D Liberty Half Dollar (Denver): 4,252,400 coins
- 1936 S Liberty Half Dollar (San Francisco): 3,884,000 coins
- 1936 P Liberty Half Dollar (Philadelphia): 12,614,000 coins
- 1936 Proof Liberty Half Dollar (Philadelphia): 3,901 coins
1936 D Walking Liberty Half Dollar
- Mint Location: Denver
- Mintage: 4,252,400 coins
- Current Value (circulated condition): $14 – $55
The 1936 D half dollar is not as rare as some other years, but it’s still sought after by collectors. Denver’s mint production was slower in 1936 because the Midwest was recovering from the economic downturn. The coin is known for its frosty white shine, though strikes can sometimes be incomplete.
1936 S Walking Liberty Half Dollar
- Mint Location: San Francisco
- Mintage: 3,884,000 coins
- Current Value (circulated condition): $14 – $70
This coin is harder to find in mint or gem condition. The strike quality can vary, but collectors appreciate the frosty white luster found on some of these coins.
1936 P Walking Liberty Half Dollar
- Mint Location: Philadelphia
- Mintage: 12,614,000 coins
- Current Value (circulated condition): $14 – $27
With the largest mintage of 1936, the Philadelphia Walking Liberty Half Dollar is the most common among the varieties. It’s often found in excellent condition, with a brilliant frosty white shine, making it a favorite among collectors.
1936 Proof Walking Liberty Half Dollar
- Mint Location: Philadelphia
- Mintage: 3,901 coins
- Current Value (circulated condition): $499
Proof coins were produced for the first time since 1915, and only 3,901 proof coins were minted. These coins are highly prized, and many collectors seek them in gem condition, although finding a proof in perfect quality is incredibly rare.
Common 1936 Liberty Half Dollar Errors
Despite a relatively low mintage, errors like doubling can still occur. The most frequent error in the 1936 Liberty Half Dollar is a “doubling error,” where the design appears doubled due to a mistake during the coin-making process.
How Much Is the 1936 Liberty Half Dollar Worth Today?
As of early 2023, the melt value of the 1936 Liberty Half Dollar is about $8.57. In circulated condition, the value can range:
- Denver mint: $11.50 – $77
- San Francisco mint: $11.50 – $125
- Philadelphia mint: $11.50 – $50
Uncirculated coins or those in pristine condition can fetch much higher prices, ranging from $7,500 to $9,000, depending on the mint and quality.
Got Barber Coins? You Might Be Sitting on Thousands – Here’s How to Cash In!
How Coins Are Graded
Professional coin grading services like NGC and PCGS use a 70-point grading system, known as the Sheldon Scale, to evaluate coins. Coins graded from 60 to 70 are considered “Mint State,” meaning they have few imperfections, visible only under a microscope. The better the grade, the higher the coin’s value.
Where to Buy or Sell the 1936 Liberty Half Dollar
You can buy or sell these coins on online platforms like eBay, Etsy, and Amazon, or at coin and antique shops. It’s recommended to consult professional coin grading services like NGC or PCGS if you need help finding buyers or determining your coin’s value.
Ethan is a passionate rare coin collector with years of experience uncovering the stories and history behind unique coins. His insightful articles are a go-to for anyone curious about coin values or their fascinating backstories.