The 1945 half dollar, which is also known as the Walking Liberty half a dollar makes an important type of coin in American history. Firstly, it’s because of the end of World War II and also because it stuck around during most of the major events in the 20th century. It’s popular among collectors, and the type of coin you simply need to keep in your collection.
Whether you’ve just discovered this coin somewhere in your grandparents’ or parents’ belongings or you became interested in collecting coins, you have to learn more about it so that you’ll be able to evaluate it properly and not be scammed by appraisers and other collectors alike.
The starting value for the 1945 half dollar is $13 in good condition, with its value going up gradually. The condition it was in makes a big difference in value, especially if there are some other features that may make it stand out.
In this article, we included all the necessary info you need to learn more about the 1945 half-dollar value, including the history, whether it’s valuable, as well as the value chart that will help you understand how different mint stations and conditions affect the value.
It’s worth mentioning that since the half dollar is a silver coin, its value is not only affected by the state it was found in, or the historical value, it’s also affected by the overall value of silver that changes frequently.
Continue reading if you’re trying to sell the 1945 half dollar you just found. We’ll also provide tips that will help you either buy or sell it.
About the 1945 Walking Liberty Half Dollar
There are a lot of things about the Walking Liberty Half Dollar worth mentioning. It’s one of the most beautiful pieces of American coins, and that’s one of the things that makes it popular among collectors. It was initially introduced in the early 20th century.
It’s interesting to note that this is the largest coin that was minted and used in the USA, and also the value that was offered as a denomination, which hasn’t been seen before in the country. They’re quite popular among the collectors, but it’s also quite competitive to find the 1945 half dollar as there are not so many of its samples that are in pristine conditions.
The pristine condition is always what makes these coins more attractive and also increases their value. As many experts claim, not many Walking Liberty Half dollars are circulating while being in perfect condition, so if you discover one, you must be in extreme luck.
The Walking Liberty half dollars were produced in three major mints in the USA – the Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Denver mint. Their production ended in 1947, while the first Walking Liberty half a dollar was minted in 1916.
The 1945 year was important in the USA economy in terms of recovering it after World War II which was filled with destruction. Averagely, all three mints produced about 7.5 million of half dollars every year, with these values fluctuating every year.
When WW2 ended, the mints produced amazing 51,624.800 half dollars, with the Philadelphia mint making about 31,502,000 coins. The half dollar was designed by Adolf Weinman who was a sculptor who designed the Walking Liberty coin which was replacing the Barber half a dollar.
If you look at the obverse side, the 50-cent coin showcases Lady Liberty’s figure, holding a laurel and an oak branch in her left hand. She was designed in her recognizable gown along with the American flag on her shoulder. An important detail of the design is also the symbol of the rising sun that radiates around the figure.
Above the figure you can see the lettering of “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” below it. It also shows the date year with the lettering.
In reverse, the half dollar showcases the eagle that stands on the rocks with the wings spread out. There is a mountain pine under its claws together with the lettering that says “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” above the eagle’s head.
At the bottom of the coin rim, you can find the denomination of half a dollar which highlights the value. Above the sapling there’s the lettering motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and under the eagle’s right wing you can see the designer’s initials. If the coin was minted in a mint other than Philadelphia, there is also the mint mark under the mountain pine.
Is the 1945 Half Dollar Valuable?
The Walking Liberty half a dollar has a great value to both novice and seasoned collectors. You won’t find a coin collector who either doesn’t own this item or isn’t on the hunt for one. Having reeded edges made of silver, it makes an appealing choice among coin collectors.
It’s made of 90% of silver, which gives it a great melt value. However, if you measure the value of the half dollar coin in the amount of silver it contains, keep in mind that such value is considerably lower compared to the numismatic value. Most collectors rather focus on the numismatic value compared to the melt value.
While the Walking Liberty half a dollar has a certain starting value, it greatly depends on how much it was circulating around and whether there are wear and scratches on its surface.
When it comes to old coins, it’s pretty found to find them in pristine condition, but keep in mind that those that are close to perfection have a much higher value. The 1945 half-dollar coin and other coins that were made during the 1940s may have a lower value compared to those older coins. Still, it’s worth mentioning that keeping them in near-perfect shape will make them value much higher.
The 1945 Half Dollar Value Chart: How Much Does It Worth Today?
One of the most important things you need to know about the value of the half dollar, as well as other coins made of silver is that the coin that is in current circulated condition can be exchanged for its weight in silver.
That being said, even if you own a coin that has circulated for a while, lost its luster, and has visible trails of wear and scratches, it can still be worth something. Based on the silver spot price for the given time of measuring, you can get a certain amount of money exchanged for the weight in ounces.
If you find the 1945 Walking Liberty silver coin without a mint mark, you can sell it for $12 to $14 depending on how good its condition and the overall value of the silver. Some coins that are in really good, the near-uncirculated condition can be found for $16-$17.
If you own an uncirculated half dollar that was in pristine condition and graded with MS 60 grade, you can get about $35 for one. Additionally, if you found a half dollar with MS 63 score, it can sell for more than $50.
If you came across the 1945 D for half a dollar, you can sell it for $13 if it’s considered to be in a good condition. The price is similar to the Philadelphia-made coins when it comes to very fine and extremely fine conditions. However, if you find a half dollar with MS 63 grade, this pristine coin can be sold for about $60.
The San Francisco-struck 1945 half dollars also has a decent value as opposed to the coins from other mints. The fine and good condition value it for $13 while the very fine coin will be priced for $16. If you find a half-dollar coin in uncirculated condition, you’re in luck as it can be valued at $38 to $40. Make sure to check the MS grade for your lucky uncirculated half dollar, and if it’s of grade MS 63 or higher, you can sell it for $55.
But, how to recognize the coins that were struck in Denver, San Francisco, and Philadelphia. Mint marks make that extremely easy. For example, if you discover a 1945-D silver coin, it means that it was struck in Denver in 1945. The same goes for the “S” half dollars, except that instead of Denver, they were struck in San Francisco. These mint marks can be found on the reverse of the coin.
Philadelphia had a little different policy. Although it was one of the biggest mints that made as many coins as the San Francisco and Denver mints combined, it didn’t use the mint mark in most of its production. That being said, if you discover the 1945 Walking Liberty half a dollar without a mint mark, that’s because it was struck in Philadelphia.
Below is the value chart that will help you evaluate your coins based on where they were made and what are their conditions. Keep in mind these values are prone to change based on third-party analysis and evaluation.
| Mint Type | Condition: Good | Condition: Fine | Condition: Extremely Fine | Uncirculated |
| 1945 | $13 | $16 | $19 | $21 |
| 1945 D | $13 | $16 | $19 | $21 |
| 1945 S | $13 | $16 | $19 | $24 |
1945 Half Dollar Error Value
Given that there were thousands and millions of the half dollars struck, there may always be an error that may change its value. While the 1945 half dollar didn’t have a series that contained errors in circulation, individual errors have occurred.
These errors are imperfections that are not technical in nature, but can change the value of a coin significantly. Those errors can be errors that occurred in the band or rim of the coin, as well as some engraving error that affected how the statue looks like.
Sometimes, the mint marks could get punched in reverse, which affected the overall value of the coin. That being said, if you found a 1945 half dollar coin and you believe that it came with an error, it’d be the best to examine it carefully and see what could be its value.
This video below shows the 1945 half dollar that was struck with an error which makes it a super-rare coin. That also made it more attractive for the collectors. One of the rare coins detailed in the video was struck two times mistakenly. Additionally, the second strike was a bit misaligned from the coin’s center.
Add that to the pristine condition of the coin, which was likely in mint state and you can earn huge money for selling this coin on the auction. Some coins also lack the initials by error or have them misaligned by accident.
This coin was sold for $66,000 at auction as one of the rarest and most perfect 1945 half dollars on the market.
Colorful 1945 Half Dollar Value
Sometimes, grading the 1945 half dollar as circulated is not enough to prove that it’s of pristine quality. Considering that the coin has been sitting around for a while, it may have felt victim to coloring and corrosion. While some blemish should be on the coin, those without any have a much higher value compared to others.
It may have some small toning over its surface, especially around the rim and edges. However, that coloring should be hard to spot.
This site can help you further with grading silver half dollars.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions regarding the 1945 walking liberty dollar, below you can find asked for the most frequently asked questions regarding them.
Do 1945 Half Dollars Have Any Value?
The 1945 half dollar can have a value of $13 if it was found in a good condition. The value goes up with the better conditions so you can get it for up to $35 if it is uncirculated coin with MS 60 grade. Some additional rarity points on the coins may increase its value even more.
How Can You Tell if the Half Dollar is Rare?
One of the good indications on whether the half dollar is rare by looking at the mint mark. Those struck in Philadelphia mint don’t have a mint mark, which makes them more common compared to other coins on the market. Nevertheless, if it was struck in San Francisco or Denver mints, it’ll be more valuable.
