Did you know that the ancient half dollar coins have one of the best market values in today’s coin market? But if you have the 1936 half dollar coin, what do you think is its best price?
It’s time for you to rate this coin whether you want to sell or buy it. Here, we’ll cover all about the 1936 half dollar value.
These coins have features like the ones in the half dollar family. The half dollar helps show much about US culture and heritage.
Your coin’s grade is what decides the value. Still, some other aspects can make the prices vary.
So, are you set? Let’s start with the 1936 half dollar’s meaning and history.
What’s the 1936 Half Dollar?
This coin is in the family of the half dollar coins that the US minted from 1916 to 1947. You can also call it the 1936 Walking Liberty half dollar.
The coin’s design came from Adolf A. Weinman, the engraver at that time. Remember, the new looks on these coins replaced the one in Barber half dollars.
Also, Robert Woolley urged the nation to change the coins’ look. So, after a fine arts competition, Adolf’s design won the day.
Most citizens loved the new look of the half dollars. Now take a look at the coin’s specs.
Features of the 1936 Half Dollar
Most of the specs on the 1936 half dollar are present on the coins in the half dollar group. Still, some aspects will help you identify the 1936 half dollar from the other coins.
Obverse
There’s the portrait of Lady Liberty walking on the obverse while holding some branches. You’ll see the sun rays on the bottom left of the coin.
Also, there is the legend “LIBERTY” from the center to the top and near the edges. Expect to see the words “IN GOD WE TRUST” above Liberty’s raised leg. Adolph designed the year mark 1936 to be at the bottom.
Reverse
There’s the eagle’s portrait at the center of the coin’s tail. Remember, the bird is on top of a branch. The US motto “EN PURIBUS UNUM” is on the center-left.
This coin’s reverse also has “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” Also, you’ll see the terms “HALF DOLLAR” at the bottom.
Letter Mark
Some 1936 Walking Liberty half dollars have letter marks while others lack. It depends on the place that made your coin.
Only two firms placed a letter mark on the coin. You’ll see the firm’s mark on the coin’s lower left part of the tail.
Weight, Size, and Color
Every average 1936 half dollar has 90% silver and 10% copper. They have a silver weight of 0.36169 oz and a weight of 12.5 grams.
These Walking Liberty half dollars have a diameter of 30.6 mm. Expect your coin to have a silver color.
Places that Mint the 1936 Half Dollar
Only three mints struck the 1936 half dollars. Together, these firms made 70 250 400 1936 Walking Liberty coins.
The coins were the highest minted in the half dollar family. So, expect them to be more common. Here are the details of each mint firm.
Philadelphia Mint
This place made only 12 614 000 half dollars from 1936. Their coins didn’t have any mint marks. Also, they have the lowest market value when you compare them to coins from the other two mints.
The 1936 half dollars from this mint served many US citizens. It’s because the Philadelphia mint was the nations’ main one.
Denver Mint
Their 1936 Walking Liberty Half dollars has a mintmark D. The Denver mint firm made 4 252 400 coins from 1936. In today’s coin market, they have a better value than the ones from the Philadelphia mint.
San Francisco Mint
When in a great state, the coins from this mint firm have the highest value. Expect them to have the letter mark S.
The firm made 3 884 000 coins. It was the lowest number when you compare it to what the other mints struck.
Reasons for Minting the 1936 Half Dollar
As of 1916, the nation minted the Walking Liberty coins for various reasons. The key one was to replace the design of the coins on the Barber half dollars.
Also, the US government targeted supplying these coins to the people in the West for trading. Besides, the half dollar’s features spread a message of peace and patriotism.
When the US started to mint these coins, it was almost time for World War II. So, the nation was getting ready to guide its thrift during and after the war.
Factors that affect the Value of the 1936 Half Dollar
Some aspects will determine what you’ll pay or earn from the sale of a 1936 half dollar. It depends on the coin’s condition and how you preserve it.
Grade
The coin’s grade is the most important aspect that collectors use to determine your coin’s value. It’s all about the present coin’s state.
Also, the class depends on the scale that runs from 4 being the lowest to 70 as the best. You’ll need a pro to grade your coin.
Remember, it’s pretty costly to grade. But sometimes, you can check your coins yourself to save on money. So, here are the details of each 1936 half dollar grade.
- Good
These 1936 half dollars have gone through many hands of trade. It means they have many scratches and have lost the essential details.
You’ll still see the coin’s words “IN GOD WE TRUST.” Lady Liberty’s left arm seems to be together with the branches. Also, the Lady’s waist and branches aren’t visible.
The Sun’s rays have lost shape. Expect the letters and the years to touch the coin’s edges.
Remember, these coins fall in the lowest grade 4. They have the lowest value, but many collectors still seek to have them.
- Fine
Such coins have gone through many hands of trade but not as much as the ones in the good class. Yes, they have scratches, but some aspects are still present.
Here, the sun rays appear visible, but their points seem to fade away. The letters don’t touch the edges.
Also, from Lady Liberty’s head to her foot, the coin is smooth and flat. You’ll see that the Lady’s arm is together with the branch.
So, the waist also isn’t present. These 1936 half dollars are on a scale of 12.
- Extremely Fine
The coins came out of the mint in this grade but underwent a short circulation. They still have many features that will appeal to your eyes.
Lady Liberty’s dress and waist are present. You’ll also see her hands holding the branches. It’s because the coin’s lines are still present and visible.
A few scratches are present on the coin. Also, the sun rays are much visible and in great shape. The coins in this grade are on a scale of 40.
- Uncirculated
If your 1936 half dollar is in this class, it shows you have a gem. Such coins never had any circulation when they came out of the mint.
All the features on the half dollar are still present. They have the best market value.
You’ll see a few contact marks on the surfaces. Also, when you place the coin on the light, the original luster is still present.
Everything on the coins in this class appears new. So, if your 1936 half dollar has all these features, it has a scale of 50 to 70.
The difference comes in the number of contact marks. Your coin can be an MS 50, 60 63, 65, or 70.
Coin Preservation
How you care about your coin can affect its value over time. You can own a 1936 half dollar coin that’s uncirculated.
If you don’t handle it well, the coin will lose its value. Never wash your half dollar because it can have many scratches. Also, please keep it in a dry and cool place to avoid rust.
Value of the 1936 Half Dollar
These half dollars have great value in today’s market. Though, it’s not as high as the other coins in the half dollar family.
Remember, these were the highest among the coins in the half dollar group. They all have a face value of $0.50 and silver bullion of $9.28.
1936 half dollars from Philadelphia mint have a price range of $8.92 to $31. 1936-D half dollar value starts from $8.92 to at least $66.
As for the 1936-S half dollars have a value of $8.92 to at least $96. They have the best value when they are uncirculated.
The table below will guide you with the current prices. Remember, these prices are subject to change due to the economy’s state.
Your Coin’s Condition |
||||
| Date | Good | Fine | Extremely Fine | Uncirculated |
| 1936 (From Philadelphia) | 8.92 USD | 15 USD | $18 | At least 31 USD |
| 1936-D | 8.92 USD | 15 USD | $20 | At least 66 USD |
| 1936-S | 8.92 USD | 15 USD | $22 | At least 96 USD |
Conclusion
The 1936 half dollars have a great market value. These coins are the most common in the half dollar family. It is because US mint firms made them in large numbers.
Only three mints made these coins in 1936. Adolph made the design on these Walking Liberty half dollars. This art replaced the one on Barber half dollars.
Your coin’s grade is the central aspect determining its market value. Remember, the grading is from your coin’s present state.
Do you now know the value of your 1936 half dollar? Will it be easy to estimate the price before buying the coin? Feel free to tell us.
