1936 Half Dollar Value: How Much Is It Worth Today?
Discovering the worth of a coin from the past can be an exciting journey, especially when it comes to unique pieces like the 1936 half dollar. Minted nearly a century ago and also known as the ‘Walking Liberty’, this coin holds a special place in American history, marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new one. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a curious enthusiast, learning about the value of the 1936 half dollar can provide insights into its historical significance and the factors determining its worth today.
1936 Half Dollar Value Chart
| Mint Mark | Good | Fine | Extremely Fine | Uncirculated |
| 1936 No Mint Mark half dollar Value | $8.00 | $12.00 | $15.00 | $40.00 |
| 1936 Denver Mint Mark half dollar Value | $8.00 | $10.00 | $14.00 | $80.00 |
| 1936 San Francisco Mint Mark half dollar Value | $8.00 | $10.00 | $25.00 | $120.00 |
1936 No Mint Mark half dollar Value
Among coin collectors, 1936 No Mint Mark half dollar is a highly prized item. This coin was made at the Philadelphia Mint, the country’s oldest continuously operational mint, as its name implies because it lacks a mint mark. The Philadelphia Mint, which was established in 1792, has a long history of creating premium coins, such as the American Eagle and Liberty Bell.
When it comes to its looks, this coin is a one-of-a-kind treasure. John R. Sinnock, an American sculptor and engraver, was the designer of the 1936 half dollar. At the US Mint, Sinnock had already created a number of other coins, including the Roosevelt dime and the Franklin half dollar.
The figure of Liberty, complete with her flowing hair and cap, can be seen on the obverse side of the 1936 No Mint Mark half dollar, a traditional symbol of freedom. On the reverse you can see an eagle with wings spread widely, perched on a branch with a cluster of arrows and an olive branch, symbolizing America’s military might and desire for peace. Intricate text and patterns may be seen throughout the coin’s highly complex design.
Depending on how well-preserved it is, the 1936 No Mint Mark half dollar’s worth might change significantly. While a coin in really fine condition can be for $40–50, one in good condition might be worth roughly $10–15. An uncirculated specimen could be sold in the range of $70 to $100 or more.
1936 Denver Mint Mark Half Dollar Value
This coin was produced at the Denver Mint, one of three mints operating in the United States in 1936. The Denver Mint was established in 1906 and has a rich history of producing high-quality coins.
The obverse side of the 1936 Denver Mint Mark half dollar features the image of Liberty, with her hair flowing and wearing a Phrygian cap, while the reverse side of the coin features an eagle perched on a branch with a cluster of arrows and an olive branch. The design of the coin is highly detailed and features intricate markings and lettering.
In addition to its rarity and beautiful look, the 1936 Denver Mint Mark half dollar was struck with a 90% silver and 10% copper composition, making it desirable. A coin in excellent condition could be worth $20 to $25, while one in very fine condition might be for $50 or more. Depending on its quality, an uncirculated specimen can sell for $100 to $200 or perhaps more.
With 2,520,000 coins struck, the 1936 Denver Mint Mark half dollar is regarded as being rather common. John R. Sinnock, a sculptor and engraver from the United States, was the designer of the 1936 Denver Mint Mark half dollar. The design of the 1936 Denver Mint Mark half dollar is considered to be one of Sinnock’s finest works and is highly regarded among numismatists and collectors.
1936 San Francisco Mint Mark half dollar Value
The 1936 San Francisco Mint Mark half dollar, which was produced at the San Francisco Mint, is a very valuable coin because of its historical significance and scarcity. During the Great Depression, when many Americans were having trouble making ends meet, the San Francisco Mint Mark half dollar was manufactured. The Mint was able to create premium coins that were both beautiful and useful despite the economic difficulties of the day.
On the coin’s obverse side is a depiction of Liberty, who is wearing a Phrygian cap and has loose hair. The reverse side is quite detailed and has very fine text and an eagle perched on a branch with a cluster of arrows and an olive branch.
The 1936 San Francisco Mint Mark half dollar, which was created by John R. Sinnock, is regarded as one of his best creations and is well-liked by numismatists. This coin was a part of the Walking Liberty half dollar series, a bigger collection of coins. The series was first issued in 1916 and continued until 1947, with many designs and mint marks being employed over the course of that time.
A coin in fair condition can be worth $10, whereas a coin in exceptionally great condition might be worth $50 or more. Depending on its quality, an uncirculated specimen can sell for $100 to $200 or perhaps more.
It’s interesting to note that because of its location on the West Coast, the San Francisco Mint was permitted to create coins made from precious metals like silver and gold throughout World War II. The Mint furthermore manufactured challenge coins and medals for the military, which were intended to raise the unit spirit.
A 1936 S Mint Mark half dollar graded PCGS MS67+ sold for $23,500 at a Heritage Auctions auction in 2022. Because it is one of only four coins rated at this level by PCGS, this coin is an extremely rare and valuable specimen.
1936 Half Dollar Grading
Early coin collectors usually graded their coins based on the amount of wear or damage they had sustained in the past. The demand for a more consistent and fair grading system, however, increased as collecting grew in popularity.
The Sheldon coin grading system, which rates coins from 1 to 70, is now widely used to grade 1936 half dollars as well. Coins with a grade of 1 are very worn or damaged, in contrast to coins with a grade of 70, which are immaculate specimens with no visible flaws.
If you are curious to see an example of the grading of a 1936 half dollar coin done by an expert, you can take a look at this video.
1936 Half Dollar Errors
Planchet flaws
When there are imperfections in the metal blank before it is struck into a coin, this is known as a planchet flaw. These could be flaws like chips, cracks, or other malformations that detract from the finished coin’s beauty. While planchet imperfections may reduce a coin’s value in the eyes of some collectors, others find them fascinating because they give the coin’s appearance more personality and distinction.
Weak strikes
A weak strike happens when there isnțt enough pressure used during the striking process, among other things, and the design elements on a coin appear less distinct or crisp than intended. A worn-out or damaged die may occasionally be the root of a weak blow.
The design details may become less clear over time due to the repetitive striking of the die against metal blanks, leading to a weak strike. A weak strike might also result from misaligned dies or insufficient pressure applied during the striking process.
Doubled dies
Doubled dies are highly sought after by collectors because they create a unique appearance on the coin’s design. This mistake happens when a die is not properly aligned during the striking process, which makes some design components seem doubled or deformed. Doubled dies are a favorite among collectors because they give items a distinctive appearance, making them much more expensive.
Die cracks
On a coin’s surface, die cracks resemble scars describing the coin’s passage through manufacturing. These happen when the dies that are used to stamp the coin’s design begin to deteriorate or wear out, and the repeated pressure of striking them breaks them. These cracks might take the form of minute hairline markings or more noticeable fissures that alter or obstruct the pattern, giving the coin a distinctive look.
Repunched mint marks
Repunched mint marks are mistakes that happen when the mint mark is punched into the die more than once and leaves a little overlapping or offset mint mark. Collectors frequently look for this defect, despite the fact that it is typically tiny and difficult to spot, as it can be used to distinguish particular coin variants and even increase the value.
1936 half dollar FAQ
How much is 1936 half dollar worth?
If you’re fortunate enough to hold a 1936 half dollar, you might be interested in knowing how much it is worth. This coin’s value can change based on a number of variables, such as its condition, rarity, and historical relevance. Generally speaking, the value of a 1936 half dollar in good condition can range from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars. It might be worth several thousand dollars to collectors, though, if you have an exceptionally rare or outstanding coin. Consultation with a knowledgeable coin dealer or assessor is the best approach to obtaining a precise estimate of your coin’s value.
Is a 1936 half dollar silver?
Yes, the 1936 half dollar is made of 90% silver and 10% copper, which was the standard composition for half dollars minted between 1836 and 1964. This makes the 1936 half dollar a valuable addition to any collection of silver coins or historical memorabilia.
Who is on the 1936 half dollar?
The obverse side of the 1936 half dollar features the profile of Liberty, with the word “Liberty” inscribed above her head and the phrase “In God We Trust” below. The reverse side features an eagle perched on a rock, with the words “United States of America” and “Half Dollar” inscribed around the edge.
Where is the mint mark on a 1936 Liberty half dollar?
The mint mark on a 1936 Liberty half dollar can be found on the coin’s reverse side, just below the eagle’s tail feathers. If the coin was minted in Philadelphia, there would be no mint mark; if it was minted in Denver, the mint mark would be a small “D”; and if it was minted in San Francisco, the mint mark would be a small “S”.
The mint mark can be an important factor in determining the coin’s rarity and value, so it’s worth checking carefully if you’re a collector.
Is 1936 half dollar rare?
The 1936 half dollar can still be regarded as a treasure even though it isn’t exactly a rarity in the world of coin collecting. Although more than 12 million of these coins were made, it is thought that a large number have been lost or destroyed over time.
This has made the 1936 half dollar coin worth looking for both collectors and enthusiasts, along with the fact that some grades and variants are more difficult to find. Hence, even if it might not be the rarest coin in existence, those who value its beauty and history still maintain a particular place in their hearts for it.
