1941 Walking Liberty Half Dollar

It’s safe to say that 1941 marks the beginning of a third era for Walking Liberty half dollars – the period of super-high production numbers. In fact, many coin collectors on a shoestring budget will use 1941 as the starting point for super short sets – that is, date-and-mintmark runs of Walking Liberty half dollars ranging from the years 1941 through 1947.

Why were mintages so high for Walking Liberty halves and other United States coins beginning in 1941? The economy was recovering as the U.S. climbed out of the Great Depression, and the need for coinage subsequently grew dramatically. This prompted the U.S. Mint to strike greater numbers of coins – in fact, more than 1 billion Lincoln cents minted in 1941 alone.

To better illustrate the mintage situation for 1941 Walking Liberty halves check out the information below, which includes values for issues in XF-40, unless otherwise noted:

• 1941, 24,192,000 minted; $15

• 1941-D, 11,248,400; $15

• 1941-S, 8,098,000; $15

• 1941 Proof, 15,412; $900

Steer clear of collecting cleaned or damaged 1941 half dollars. With such a numerous supply of these coins available, there is really no point for coin collectors to settle for less than problem-free coins. That is, unless, of course, you only seek junk silver to include in an investment portfolio.