1929 Half Dollar Coin Value (Errors List, “D”, “S”)

The 1929 half dollar captures a pivotal moment in American history. This year marked the end of the Roaring Twenties prosperity.

Only Denver and San Francisco mints produced Walking Liberty half dollars in 1929. Philadelphia ceased production this year, making these coins historically significant.

Both varieties average $31.80 in Good condition across mint marks. The economic turmoil created strong collector interest decades later. MS specimens demonstrate substantial value appreciation today. The Denver mint averages $2140.00 in top condition.

The San Francisco issue commands $2341.67 in MS condition. These final pre-Depression half dollars represent America’s last moments of economic optimism.

 

1929 Half Dollar Value By Variety

The 1929 Walking Liberty half dollar was minted at two facilities, creating distinct varieties that significantly impact collector value and market demand.

If you know the grade of your coin, you can find the exact price below in the Value Guides section.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Kennedy Half Dollar Worth Money (1964 – Present)

 

Top 10 Most Valuable 1929 Half Dollar Worth Money

The 1929 Walking Liberty half dollars represent the final year of the early series and rank among the most valuable due to their scarcity in high grades.

The 1929-D MS67+ holds the auction record at $82,250, while the 1929-S MS67 achieved $71,875. Both issues weren’t saved in meaningful quantities at time of issue, making mint state survivors scarce and gems very scarce.

The 1929-D has a mintage of 1,001,200 and the 1929-S had 1,902,000 coins struck, but high-grade examples become progressively scarcer from MS63 through MS66, with MS67 specimens being very rare. Values increase exponentially with grade, making condition critical for determining worth.

 

History Of The 1929 Half Dollar

By 1929, coin production was already contracting. Philadelphia had ceased circulation half dollars since 1927, focusing on commemoratives. Only Denver and San Francisco remained active, striking 1,001,200 and 1,902,000 pieces respectively after Denver’s seven-year hiatus.

The timing proved prophetic. On October 29, 1929—Black Tuesday—the stock market crashed with over 16 million shares traded, triggering the Great Depression. This economic collapse immediately reduced currency demand, leaving thousands of freshly minted half dollars in Treasury vaults.

The Depression’s impact was swift and decisive. Half dollar production halted entirely from 1930-1932, with only a small 1933 San Francisco issue. Denver wouldn’t resume until 1934, making 1929 the final multi-mint issue before America’s economic transformation.

This historical convergence explains why high-grade 1929 examples remain exceptionally scarce and highly coveted among collectors today, representing both numismatic rarity and economic history.

Also Read: Top 35 Most Valuable Franklin Half Dollar Worth Money (1948 – 1963)

 

Is Your 1929 Half Dollar Rare?

For collectors seeking to understand where their coins stand in this comprehensive hierarchy, our CoinValueChecker App provides instant rarity assessment and current market values.

 

Key Features Of The 1929 Half Dollar

The 1929 Walking Liberty half dollar showcases Adolph A. Weinman’s masterful artistry through distinctive design elements that have made it one of America’s most celebrated coin designs.

The Obverse Of The 1929 Half Dollar

The obverse features Lady Liberty in full stride, walking toward the rising sun with her right arm outstretched. Wrapped in the flowing American flag, she carries branches of oak and laurel in her left arm, symbolizing American strength and prosperity.

The inscriptions include “LIBERTY” along the top rim, “IN GOD WE TRUST” in the lower right, and the date “1929” at the bottom center.

The Reverse Of The 1929 Half Dollar

The reverse displays a majestic American bald eagle perched on a rocky crag with wings partially spread, ready for flight. A mountain pine branch grows from the rocky outcrop, representing America’s enduring strength.

Inscriptions include “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” along the top rim, “E PLURIBUS UNUM” to the left of the eagle, and “HALF DOLLAR” at the bottom.

Other Features Of The 1929 Half Dollar

Weinman’s monogram “AW” appears at the bottom right of the reverse, positioned near the rocky outcrop. The mint mark location for 1929 coins appears on the reverse at the lower left, with “D” indicating Denver and “S” indicating San Francisco production. Each coin weighs 12.5 grams with a diameter of 30.6mm and contains 90% silver and 10% copper.

Also Read: Top 60+ Most Valuable Walking Liberty Half Dollar (1916 -1947)

 

1929 Half Dollar Mintage & Survival Data

Denver struck 1,001,200 coins while San Francisco produced 1,902,000 pieces in 1929. San Francisco’s output was nearly double Denver’s production, establishing the mintage hierarchy between facilities.

according to the Current Survival Statistics, Approximately 50,000 Denver coins and 95,000 San Francisco coins remain in collectible condition today. Both varieties show nearly identical survival rates at 4.994% for Denver and 4.9947% for San Francisco.

For population distribution ，San Francisco coins represent roughly two-thirds of all surviving 1929 half dollars, with Denver making up the remaining third. This distribution directly mirrors the original mintage ratio between mints.

Overall, although the survival rates of the two mints are similar, the 1929-S commands higher collector premiums due to superior preservation in mint state grades. San Francisco examples consistently show better high-grade survival compared to Denver coins.

Also Read: What Half Dollars Are Worth Money?

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1929 Half Dollar Value

Determining your 1929 half dollar’s precise value doesn’t have to be complicated. Start by taking clear photos of both sides of your coin under good lighting. Next, identify the mint mark and assess the coin’s condition carefully. Then, compare your coin against current market data to understand its worth.

For the most accurate and instant valuation, download the CoinValueChecker App. Simply upload your coin images, and the app uses advanced recognition technology to analyze your coin’s mint mark and condition. Within seconds, you’ll receive an up-to-date market value based on recent sales data, plus connections to verified dealers if you’re ready to sell.

 

1929 Half Dollar Value Guides

Walking Liberty 1929 Half Dollar Varieties

• 1929-D— Denver Mint’s return to half dollar production after seven years, with 1,001,200 coins struck before halting again until 1934
• 1929-S— San Francisco production of 1,902,000 pieces, representing the final issue of the early Walking Liberty era with subdued luster and scarce mint state survivors

The 1929 Walking Liberty half dollar represents a unique moment in American coinage history. Production was limited to just two mints during the pivotal pre-Depression year. Both varieties show similar survival rates around 4.99%.

The 1929-S commands higher premiums due to condition rarity in mint state. The economic crash significantly affected distribution patterns afterward. Many coins remained in Treasury vaults during the Depression.

Today, both varieties are recognized as key dates in the series.

 

1929-D Half Dollar Value

The 1929-D represents Denver’s brief return to half dollar production after a seven-year hiatus, with only 1,001,200 coins struck. Production ceased again until 1934, making this a unique transitional issue.

Typical examples display frosty surfaces or natural toning with generally acceptable strikes. Liberty’s hand detail occasionally shows slight softness, though overall quality remains good for the series.

The highest realization reached $82,250 for an MS67+ example at Legend Rare Coin Auctions in September 2018. This specimen featured light champagne toning with multicolored patterns and iridescent rim effects.

Certification records show only two specimens have achieved MS67+ grade level, confirming extreme rarity at the highest condition levels. This scarcity drives substantial collector premiums for top-quality survivors.

Recent auction activity shows consistent collector interest across various grade levels for the 1929-D Walking Liberty half dollar.

Market activity data indicates growing momentum for this Denver issue throughout 2025.

 

1929-S Half Dollar Value

The 1929-S holds special significance as the final issue of the early Walking Liberty era, with San Francisco striking 1,902,000 pieces.

This coin displays the characteristic subdued luster typical of early-date Walkers, with most examples showing slight softness in central devices despite generally acceptable strikes.

Like other early issues, the 1929-S wasn’t preserved in meaningful quantities at release, resulting in scarce mint state survivors and very scarce gem examples. Its position as the last pre-Depression San Francisco production adds historical importance.

The combination of poor initial preservation, low high-grade survival rates, and historical significance as the series’ final early-era issue creates strong collector demand and substantial premiums over Denver examples.

The auction record reached $71,875 for an MS67 example sold by Heritage Auctions in January 2005. Professional certification data confirms extremely limited populations in gem grades.

The auction records show significant price volatility with clear grade-dependent variations.

Market activity for this coin demonstrates a notable surge during summer 2025.

Also Read: Rare Half Dollar Coins to Look For

 

Rare 1929 Half Dollar Errors List

While no documented major error varieties exist specifically for 1929, these coins remain significant as survivors are scarce in mint state condition with gems being very scarce.

Collectors should examine 1929 half dollars carefully for potential undiscovered errors, as error coins from this series are very uncommon to encounter, making any authentic error particularly valuable. Since specific 1929 error coins are not documented, here are the main Walking Liberty half dollar error types:

1. Off-Center Strikes

Off-center strikes occur when the planchet is not properly positioned during striking. One dramatic example is a 1942 Walker struck 70% off-center, showing only Liberty’s waist down, valued at $23,000. These errors create unique, asymmetrical designs with blank areas on the coin.

2. Wrong Planchet Errors

The most famous is the 1942 “Headless Walker” struck on a quarter planchet, sold for $16,200. These errors occur when the wrong-sized blank is fed into the press. A 1943 half struck on a quarter planchet would be worth $3,000-$5,000, while one on a Peruvian half sol planchet sold for $20,000.

3. Planchet Defects

Clipped planchet errors show missing portions from improperly cut blanks, appearing as crescent-shaped bites on the coin edge. Delamination errors occur when planchet layers separate, creating slash-like lines. A 1935 Walker with clipped planchet error currently sells for $750.

4. Broadstrikes

Broadstrikes occur when the collar that encircles the coin blank malfunctions or is absent, causing the coin to spread beyond normal diameter. A 1944 Walking Liberty broadstrike error was featured at Heritage Auctions, demonstrating the rarity and appeal of such errors in this beloved series.

 

Where to Sell Your 1929 Half Dollar?

Your 1929 half dollar deserves the right stage to shine. Whether you choose the auction spotlight, dealer expertise, or online marketplace convenience, timing and presentation matter most. Don’t rush—these Depression-era treasures have waited nearly a century to tell their story. Make every sale count.

Check out now: Best Places To Sell Coins Online (Pros & Cons) 

 

FAQ About The 1929 Half Dollar

1. Is a 1929 half crown silver?

The 1929 Walking Liberty half dollar (not half crown) contains 90% silver and 10% copper composition, weighing 12.5 grams with 0.36169 ounces of actual silver content. This high silver content provides a foundation value regardless of numismatic premium, making it a valuable precious metal holding beyond its collectible worth.

2. Where is the mint mark on a 1929 half dollar?

The mint mark on 1929 Walking Liberty half dollars appears on the reverse (back) side, positioned at the lower left near the rocky outcrop where the mountain pine branch grows. Look for either “D” indicating Denver Mint production or “S” for San Francisco Mint. No Philadelphia coins were produced in 1929.

3. How much is a 1929 half dollar worth?

Values range dramatically from approximately $15 for heavily worn specimens to over $82,250 for the finest known examples. The 1929-D MS67+ holds the auction record at $82,250, while typical circulated examples fall between $20-$30. Mint state specimens can reach $1,000 or higher, with gem examples being extremely scarce and valuable.