The Walking Liberty Half Dollar is one of the most iconic silver coins produced by the United States Mint. Designed by Adolph A. Weinman, this coin was minted between 1916 and 1947, and collectors continue to value it for its beauty and historical significance. The 1936 Liberty Half Dollar, in particular, is a notable edition for coin enthusiasts due to its design, variations, and value.
What Is the 1936 Liberty Half Dollar Made Of?
The 1936 Liberty Half Dollar is made of 90% silver and 10% copper, giving it a face value of $0.50 or half a dollar. This coin weighs 12.50 grams and has a diameter of 30.00 millimeters. Its reeded edge and classic design make it easily recognizable.
The obverse side of the coin features Lady Liberty walking toward the rising sun, with her right arm outstretched and her left arm holding a bundle of branches. The words “IN GOD WE TRUST” appear behind her, and the word “LIBERTY” arches over the top. The year “1936” is inscribed at the bottom.
The reverse side depicts a bald eagle perched on a rocky ledge, with a small pine sapling symbolizing strength. Above the branches, the phrase “E PLURIBUS UNUM” is seen, which means “Out of many, one.” The coin’s denomination, “Half Dollar,” is at the bottom, while “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” arches over the top.
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1936 Liberty Half Dollar Mint Varieties
In 1936, the Liberty Half Dollar was minted in three locations: Denver, San Francisco, and Philadelphia. Each mint produced a different number of coins, which affects their rarity and value.
- 1936 D Liberty Half Dollar (Denver Mint): 4,252,400 coins minted.
- 1936 S Liberty Half Dollar (San Francisco Mint): 3,884,000 coins minted.
- 1936 P Liberty Half Dollar (Philadelphia Mint): 12,614,000 coins minted.
- 1936 Proof Liberty Half Dollar (Philadelphia Mint): Only 3,901 coins minted, making it highly sought after by collectors.
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1936 Liberty Half Dollar Value Today
The value of the 1936 Liberty Half Dollar can vary greatly depending on its condition and where it was minted. Coins in circulated condition can range in value, but those in mint or gem condition are much more valuable.
As of January 2023, the melt value of the silver in the 1936 Liberty Half Dollar was around $8.57, according to the NGC Price Guide. The price for coins in circulated condition can range from $11.50 to $125, depending on the mint mark. However, uncirculated coins can fetch significantly higher prices on the market, with some selling for as much as $9,000.
Here’s a breakdown of the value of each variety in circulated condition:
- 1936 D Liberty Half Dollar (Denver): $11.50 to $77
- 1936 S Liberty Half Dollar (San Francisco): $11.50 to $125
- 1936 P Liberty Half Dollar (Philadelphia): $11.50 to $50
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Grading and Errors in the 1936 Liberty Half Dollar
Coins are graded based on their condition, and the higher the grade, the more valuable the coin. Professional grading services like the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) and the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) use a 70-point scale to determine a coin’s grade. Mint State (MS) coins are graded between 60 and 70, meaning any imperfections can only be seen under a microscope.
Another factor that can increase the value of the 1936 Liberty Half Dollar is if it has any errors. The most common error for this coin is the “Doubled Die” error, which occurs when a die strikes the coin twice, creating a doubling effect. Coins with this error are highly collectible and can be worth more than standard issues.
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Where to Buy or Sell a 1936 Liberty Half Dollar
If you’re looking to buy or sell a 1936 Liberty Half Dollar, online platforms like eBay, Etsy, and Amazon are great options. Many collectors and vendors use these sites to trade rare coins. Local coin and antique shops are another option, though it may be harder to find specific coins there.
If you’re unsure about where to start, contacting a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC can help. They can also provide valuable insight into the worth of your coin.
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FAQs
Where is the mint mark on the 1936 Liberty Half Dollar?
The mint mark can be found on the reverse side, just below the pine sapling. The Denver and San Francisco mint coins have a “D” or “S” mint mark, while Philadelphia coins have no mint mark.
How much is a 1936 S Walking Liberty Half Dollar worth?
The value of a 1936 S Walking Liberty Half Dollar ranges between $11.50 and $125 in circulated condition. Uncirculated coins can be worth up to $9,000.
What is the value of a 1936 D Walking Liberty Half Dollar?
The 1936 D Walking Liberty Half Dollar is valued between $11.50 and $77 in circulated condition. In pristine, uncirculated condition, the coin can sell for up to $8,575.