What is the value of a 1939 US half dollar?

Answer 1

1939 is a common date for Walking Liberty halves. They were minted in an alloy of 90% silver and 10% copper, so a worn one is mostly valuable for its silver content. To get an approximate retail value, multiply the current price of silver by 0.36.

More specifically, look on the back of the coin to see if there's a small mint mark letter at roughly the 8:00 position. It may be blank or there may be a D or S. (The W on the front of the coin is the designer's monogram and not a mint mark.)

Numismedia lists the following approximate retail values as of 09/2015:

No mint mark (Philadelphia):

Very worn condition - $16

Moderately worn - $18

Slightly worn - $18

Almost no wear - $25

Uncirculated - $40 to $7,440 depending on quality

"D" mint mark (Denver):

Very worn - $16

Moderately worn - $18

Slightly worn - $18

Almost no wear - $26

Uncirculated - $40 to $1,920

"S" mint mark (San Francisco):

Very worn - $16

Moderately worn - $18

Slightly worn - $20

Almost no wear - $63

Uncirculated - $140 to $1,660

FAQ: "Standing Liberty"

That name is normally given to quarters of the same time period. The halves are called Walking Liberty Half Dollars

DISCLAIMER: The retail values quoted are the best available as of the date shown, but may vary significantly due to changes in the precious metals market. Also the wholesale (buying) price of a coin will be less than the selling (retail) price. A reputable coin dealer will be able to give a more accurate valuation based on inspection of the coin.