1933 Half Dollar Coin Value (Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth)

In 1929, the U.S. banking system was on the verge of collapse. Recently-struck coins piled up in vaults and gathered dust as demand for new coins rapidly disappeared. The U.S. government’s solution was simple: stop making coins entirely.

From 1929 to 1933, America’s circulating coinage basically went on hiatus – no silver dollars, no half dollars from 1930-1932, no quarters in 1931 and 1933.

Then came 1933, and with it the lone exception: 1,786,000 Walking Liberty half dollars struck only at San Francisco. These coins became the only silver coins in circulation in the United States at the time, a living witness to the darkest period of the American economy, and have become one of the most historically significant collectibles today.

 

1933 Half Dollar Value By Variety

This chart shows the estimated values of a 1933 S Half Dollar.

Tip: Use our CoinValueChecker App for real-time variety identification and current market values.

 

1933 Half Dollar Market Trend

Based on the chart, the market interest trend for the 1933 Half Dollar can be divided into several distinct phases.2015-2016, market interest remained relatively stable at around 800, with occasional brief spikes to 2,000, indicating limited collector attention during this period.

From 2017 to 2018, momentum grew and attention began to fluctuate more, with periodic spikes above 2,000 pieces, indicating growing awareness among collectors and investors.

Market interest reached an absolute peak in February 2019, at approximately 3,220. This peak likely coincided with a major auction event or a new discovery, sparking widespread collector interest. Following this peak, market interest gradually declined to around 400-800, likely due to market saturation or a shift in collector preferences.

To better understand how the 1933 Half Dollar’s market performance compares to other collectible coins and identify emerging opportunities in the numismatic market, explore our comprehensive US Coin Market Trend Ranking (Top 100) analysis.

 

History Of The 1933 Half Dollar

Due to the impact of the Great Depression, no half dollars were produced in the United States from 1930 to 1932, with production not resuming until 1933.

In 1933, during the depths of the Great Depression, unemployment reached 25%, and wages low for many who were lucky enough to find work. In this economic climate, demand for coins was extremely limited, and most mints halted production.

The only half dollar produced in 1933 was the 1.786 million 1933-S Walking Liberty half dollar, the only silver coin in circulation that year. The only two coins in circulation that year were the Lincoln penny and the San Francisco Mint half dollar.

After the economy began to improve in 1934, the U.S. Mint produced nearly 13 million half dollars, a stark contrast to the 1.786 million produced in 1933, demonstrating the direct impact of economic conditions on coin production.

Thus, the 1933-S half dollar stands as a historical testament to the economic hardship of the Great Depression, and its scarcity makes it a prized item among collectors.

Collectors could still purchase Uncirculated 1933-S Half Dollars directly from the U.S. Mint at face value as late as 1934. The design proved so enduring that it was revived for the American Silver Eagle series beginning in 1986, making the Walking Liberty motif one of the most beloved in American coinage history.

Also Read: 10 Most Historic Years of Walking Liberty Half Dollar (1916-1947)

 

Is Your 1933 Half Dollar Rare?

The 1933-S No Mint Mark Half Dollar achieves an score of 55, establishing it as an “Ultra Rare” specimen within the Walking Liberty Half Dollar series. This rarity rating places it at rank 27 among all Walking Liberty Half Dollars, highlighting its significance as one of the most sought-after coins in this beloved series.

The high rarity score reflects multiple factors including the coin’s Depression-era origins, limited mintage of just 1.786 million pieces, and the challenging economic conditions that prevented many collectors from preserving these coins in high grades.

For collectors seeking to understand the complete landscape of Walking Liberty Half Dollar rarities, you can explore detailed rarity rankings and current market values using our comprehensive CoinValueChecker App, which provides real-time analysis of coin scarcity and investment potential.

This positioning demonstrates how even within a single series, certain dates and mint marks can achieve extraordinary rarity status, making the Walking Liberty Half Dollar Rarity Ranking (Top 100) an essential reference for serious collectors looking to identify the most valuable and elusive specimens in this iconic American coin series.

 

Key Features Of The 1933 Half Dollar

The 1933 Walking Liberty Half Dollar with just 1,786,000 coins struck exclusively at San Francisco, it stands as a unique Depression-era survivor, containing 90% silver content and marking a pivotal moment in American numismatic history.

The Obverse Of The 1933 Half Dollar

The obverse depicts Miss Liberty walking toward the sun, her right arm outstretched, her left arm carrying a bundle of laurel and oak branches symbolizing civil and military glory, with the Stars and Stripes flying as a background.

The inscriptions include “LIBERTY” arcing above, “IN GOD WE TRUST” positioned to the lower right, and the date “1933” below. The hand of the figure is outstretched in bestowal of the spirit of liberty, creating a powerful symbol of American progress and hope during the nation’s darkest economic period.

The Reverse Of The 1933 Half Dollar

The reverse shows an eagle perched high upon a mountain crag, his wings unfolded. Springing from a rift in the rock is a sapling of mountain pine, symbolical of America. The bald eagle dominates the design, showcasing feathers that are “a marvelous tour de force”.

Inscriptions include “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” arranged in an arc above, “E PLURIBUS UNUM” to the left, and “HALF DOLLAR” below. The mint mark “S” appears on the reverse, positioned to the left of “HALF DOLLAR,” identifying this coin’s San Francisco origin.

Other Features Of The 1933 Half Dollar

The 1933-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar weighs 12.50 grams with a diameter of 30mm. Composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, it contains 0.36169 troy ounces of pure silver. All coins feature a reeded edge.

 As the sole half dollar produced in 1933 and representing the only circulating silver coin of that year, it holds exceptional historical significance beyond its impressive specifications.

 

1933 Half Dollar Mintage & Survival Data

Unlike most years when multiple mints produced coins, 1933 was different – only the San Francisco Mint operated, producing 1,786,000 half dollars. This happened because the Great Depression drastically reduced demand for coins, making it unnecessary for other mints to operate.

Today, only about 90,000 of these coins still exist, creating a survival rate of just 5.04%. The extremely low survival rate occurred because most coins were either melted down when silver prices rose, worn out from heavy use during tough economic times, or simply lost or discarded over the decades.

This large discrepancy between mintage and extant numbers explains why the 1933 half dollar is so scarce. It essential to explore our comprehensive Walking Liberty Half Dollar Survival Ranking (Top 100)  to discover which dates face the greatest extinction risk and represent the most compelling collecting opportunities.

 

1933 Half Dollar Grading

Grading of the 1933 Half Dollar requires careful examination of several critical elements that determine its condition and market value. Graders assess the coin’s luster, strike quality, surface preservation, and wear patterns using the industry-standard Sheldon Scale, which ranges from Poor (P-1) to Perfect Mint State (MS-70).

The 1933-S presents unique grading challenges due to its Depression-era production circumstances and the design’s inherent striking difficulties. Most survivors show moderate to heavy circulation wear. Surface marks, cleaning, and environmental damage must be carefully evaluated, as these factors significantly impact the final grade.

For accurate assessment, collectors can quickly verify their coin’s grade using our CoinValueChecker App, which provides instant grading analysis through advanced image recognition technology.

Understanding these grading fundamentals becomes even more crucial when dealing with the broader Walking Liberty series, making it essential to learn comprehensive techniques outlined in our detailed guide on How to Grade Walking Liberty Half Dollar.

 

1933 Half Dollar Value Guides

The 1933-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar stands as the sole representative of half dollar coinage for its year.

• 1933-S Half Dollar

This coin struck exclusively at the San Francisco Mint with a modest mintage of 1,786,000 pieces.The coin’s scarcity in higher grades, combined with its historical importance as a Depression-era survivor, makes it highly sought after by collectors seeking both numismatic value and a tangible connection to one of America’s most challenging economic periods.

 

1933-S Half Dollar Value

The 1933 Walking Liberty was one of only two circulating coins struck by the U.S. Mint that year. The issue is renowned for its above-average strike quality and luster, unusual for Walking Liberty half dollars which typically suffered from weak strikes.

The vast majority of coins struck that year were worn out in circulation, as people didn’t have the opportunity to accumulate savings during the Great Depression, or were recalled by the government for melting.

Today, surviving 1933-S half dollars in good condition are extremely rare. According to census data from professional numismatic institutions, only a few thousand are known and graded, and fewer than 500 have a grade of MS-65 or higher.

In August 2021, a coin with an MS 67 grade sold for $66,000 at auction. This combination of historical significance, exceptional production quality, and scarcity attracts collectors seeking this coin.