1929 Half Dollar Value Checker: Errors List, “D” & “S” Mint Mark Worth

The 1929 Walking Liberty half dollar captures one of the most dramatic turning points in American history. Minted just months before the Great Depression, these 90% silver coins have fascinated collectors for nearly a century.

Only Denver and San Francisco struck Walking Liberty half dollars in 1929. Philadelphia had not produced circulation-strike half dollars since 1927, making 1929 a genuine two-mint year with combined output of fewer than three million coins.

Both varieties start around $20 in heavily worn condition but climb steeply with grade. The finest known 1929-D—graded MS67+ by PCGS and approved by CAC—realized $82,250 at Legend Rare Coin Auctions in September 2018.

 

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.

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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 were not saved in meaningful quantities at the 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

The Walking Liberty half dollar design was born from a 1915 competition organized by Mint Director Robert W. Woolley, who found the existing Barber design unsatisfactory. Sculptor Adolph A. Weinman won the commission and created what many numismatists consider America’s most beautiful coin design. The series ran from 1916 through 1947 and was later revived in 1986 as the obverse design for the American Silver Eagle, the world’s best-selling silver bullion coin.

By 1929, half dollar production had already been contracting for years. Philadelphia had ceased circulation-strike half dollar production since 1927, focusing on commemoratives. Only Denver—returning after a seven-year hiatus since 1921—and San Francisco remained active, striking 1,001,200 and 1,902,000 pieces respectively.

The timing proved historically significant. 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 sitting in Treasury vaults rather than circulating.

Remarkably, a notice published in the June 1934 issue of The Numismatist (p. 416) revealed that collectors could still purchase uncirculated 1929-D and 1929-S half dollars directly from the U.S. Mint—five full years after they were struck. This shows how deeply the Depression suppressed demand for silver coinage of this era.

The Depression’s impact was swift and decisive. Half dollar production halted entirely from 1930 through 1932, with only a small 1933 San Francisco issue resuming the series. Denver would not strike half dollars again until 1934, making 1929 the last multi-mint issue before America’s economy transformed.

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Is Your 1929 Half Dollar Rare?

The 1929-S ranks 24th in rarity across the entire Walking Liberty series, earning an “Ultra Rare” designation in mint state grades. The 1929-D places 56th as “Scarce”—a significant gap despite Denver’s actually lower mintage of 1,001,200 versus San Francisco’s 1,902,000.

This counterintuitive result stems from survival rates rather than original production numbers. San Francisco coins in the highest mint state grades are far more elusive to find today, making the 1929-S a more prized target for advanced collectors.

For collectors seeking to understand where their coins stand in this comprehensive hierarchy, our Coin Value Checker 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. Understanding what to look for on both sides helps you accurately assess your coin’s condition and potential value.

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. When grading your coin, pay close attention to the wear on Liberty’s hand and the lines on her flowing gown—these are the first areas to show circulation wear.

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. The eagle’s breast feathers and the detail on the pine branch are key areas to examine when assessing grade.

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, giving every specimen an intrinsic silver melt value of approximately $30 at current silver prices.

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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 the two facilities.

According to 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 approximately 4.99%, directly mirroring the original mintage ratio between mints.

However, survival rate alone does not tell the full story for collectors. As of May 2024, PCGS, NGC, and CAC combined have recorded 1,802 total mint state grading events for the 1929-D—a dramatic increase from just 355 recorded through 1991. This jump reflects the modern era of third-party grading, where coins previously stored in drawers and safe deposit boxes have entered the market.

Despite this large number of graded mint state examples, the 1929-D becomes genuinely scarce at MS66 and very scarce at MS67. Only two PCGS MS67+ examples and one NGC MS67 example are known as of late 2024. The 1929-S is comparably elusive in top grades, with the 1929-S commanding higher collector premiums due to its greater rarity in gem condition.

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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, then identify the mint mark and carefully assess the coin’s condition by examining Liberty’s hand detail, gown lines, and the eagle’s breast feathers.

For the most accurate and instant valuation, download the Coin Value Checker 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. This variety is classified as “Scarce” (56th rarest in the series) and is available through MS65, becoming condition-rare in MS66 and above.
• 1929-S — San Francisco production of 1,902,000 pieces, representing the final issue of the early Walking Liberty era. Despite higher mintage, the 1929-S earns “Ultra Rare” status (24th rarest) due to far fewer survivors in high mint state grades.

Both varieties sell for more than their silver melt value even in heavily worn grades, making them genuine numismatic coins rather than mere bullion. The 1929-D can be found in MS65 with some searching, while the 1929-S in MS65 is legitimately scarce and commands significantly higher premiums.

Today, both varieties are recognized as important semi-key dates in the Walking Liberty series. Serious series collectors consider owning both in mid-to-high mint state grades a meaningful achievement.

 

1929-D Half Dollar Value

The 1929-D represents Denver’s brief return to half dollar production after a seven-year absence, with only 1,001,200 coins struck. Production ceased again until 1934, making this a unique one-and-done transitional issue spanning the eve of the Great Depression.

Typical examples display frosty surfaces or natural toning with generally acceptable strikes. Liberty’s hand detail occasionally shows slight softness, though overall quality is good for the series—better, in fact, than many of the later 1930s San Francisco issues.

Grading Factors to Watch: On the obverse, check Liberty’s right hand and the lines on her gown—these are the high points most susceptible to wear. On the reverse, examine the eagle’s breast feathers and the pine branch detail. Any coin showing complete gown lines on the obverse and sharp feathers on the reverse will grade higher and command strong premiums.

Population Data (as of November 2024): PCGS has certified just two specimens at MS67+—the top grade ever awarded to this date. NGC shows only one coin at MS67. CAC has approved three examples at MS67. These tiny populations confirm extreme rarity at the finest known levels.

Auction Highlights: The same remarkable MS67+ CAC coin (PCGS #35286702) sold for $44,400 at Heritage Auctions on April 26, 2018, was later upgraded a half-point, then realized $82,250 at Legend Rare Coin Auctions in September 2018—the current auction record. A separate PCGS MS67 CAC coin (#39221442) brought $64,625 at Legend Rare Coin Auctions on May 14, 2020. A PCGS MS67 example sold for $30,000 at Heritage Auctions on August 4, 2020, demonstrating how strongly the market rewards top-grade survivors.

For historical context, coin dealer Joel D. Coen of New York was advertising choice BU (Brilliant Uncirculated) examples in the April 1976 issue of The Numismatist for $375—a small fraction of today’s values.

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 (1916–1929), with San Francisco striking 1,902,000 pieces. Despite producing nearly twice as many coins as Denver, the 1929-S is far rarer in high mint state grades—a fact that puzzles newcomers but makes perfect sense once you understand how coins were preserved during the Depression era.

Grading Factors to Watch: PCGS CoinFacts expert David Hall notes that the typical 1929-S has somewhat subdued luster. Strike quality is not as severe a problem as on the later S-mint issues, but most examples show slight softness in the central devices—meaning Liberty’s hand and the eagle’s breast feathers will rarely be perfectly sharp. Finding a sharply struck 1929-S is the exception, not the rule, and such coins command meaningful premiums.

This coin displays the characteristic subdued luster typical of early-date Walkers, with most examples showing slight softness in the central devices. Its position as the last pre-Depression San Francisco half dollar adds layered historical significance beyond its numismatic rarity.

Current Retail Values: According to APMEX’s 2025 price guide, a 1929-S grades at approximately $33 in Good condition, $78 in Very Fine, $2,869 in MS65, $5,325 in MS66, and $39,300 in MS67—the current retail benchmark for the finest known grade available to most collectors.

The auction record reached $71,875 for an MS67 example sold by Heritage Auctions on January 12, 2005. Professional certification data confirms extremely limited populations in gem grades, making any MS66+ example a significant find.

The 1929-S “No AW” Variety: A minor variety exists where Weinman’s “AW” monogram does not appear on the reverse—known among collectors as the “No AW” 1929-S. An NGC-graded VF35 example of this variety sold for $99 on eBay in July 2018, but higher-grade specimens of this variety could command a meaningful premium if authenticated.

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

No major documented error varieties have been officially catalogued specifically for the 1929 Walking Liberty half dollar by PCGS or NGC. However, given that mint errors from any low-mintage 1920s issue are extraordinarily uncommon, any authenticated error from this date would command exceptional premiums from collectors.

Below are the key Walking Liberty half dollar error types to watch for when examining your 1929 coins:

1. Off-Center Strikes on 1929 Half Dollar

Off-center strikes occur when the planchet (the blank metal disc) is not properly centered under the dies during the striking process. The result is a coin where the design is shifted to one side, leaving a blank crescent area on the opposite edge.

The degree of the off-center shift matters greatly for value: minor errors of 5–15% show only a small blank area, while dramatic examples of 30–50% or more—where much of the design is missing—are far more desirable to error collectors. A comparable 1942 Walking Liberty half struck 70% off-center has been valued at approximately $23,000, illustrating the potential value of dramatic off-center Walker errors.

2. Wrong Planchet Errors on 1929 Half Dollar

Wrong planchet errors occur when a blank intended for a different denomination is fed into the half dollar press, producing a coin with the half dollar design but on the smaller, lighter, or differently composed disc. These are among the most dramatic and valuable mint errors possible on any coin.

The most famous Walking Liberty wrong planchet error is the so-called “Headless Walker”—a 1942 half dollar struck on a quarter planchet—which sold for $16,200. A 1943 Walker struck on a quarter planchet would conservatively be worth $3,000–$5,000 today. For a 1929 example, these values would almost certainly be significantly higher due to the date’s inherent rarity.

3. Planchet Defects on 1929 Half Dollar

Clipped planchet errors show a missing crescent-shaped section along the coin’s edge, caused when the blanking punch overlaps a previously punched area of the silver strip. Delamination errors occur when the metal separates in thin layers, creating slash-like lines or peeling surfaces.

Both types are collectible on Walking Liberty half dollars. A comparable 1935 Walker with a clipped planchet error sells for approximately $750 in the current market. A 1929 example with a documented clipped planchet would fetch a meaningful premium over this benchmark.

4. Broadstrike Errors on 1929 Half Dollar

Broadstrike errors happen when the retaining collar—the ring that keeps the coin at proper diameter during striking—malfunctions or is absent entirely. Without the collar, the coin spreads outward beyond its normal diameter, creating a larger, thinner, and collar-free coin with normal designs but no edge reeding.

A 1944 Walking Liberty broadstrike was featured at Heritage Auctions, demonstrating that these errors do surface from the early-date Walker issues. Any authenticated broadstrike on a 1929 date would represent a genuinely rare find that serious error collectors would compete to acquire.

5. Doubled Die Errors on 1929 Half Dollar

Doubled die errors (abbreviated DDO for the obverse, DDR for the reverse) occur when the working die is impressed into the hub more than once, with a slight rotational or linear shift between impressions. The result is a coin where portions of the design appear doubled—you will see a shadow or ghost image alongside the main design element.

On Walking Liberty half dollars, doubled die varieties are known across multiple dates in the series. Any confirmed DDO or DDR on a 1929 issue would be a significant discovery. Always examine the date numerals, “LIBERTY,” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” on the obverse, and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” on the reverse, under 5x–10x magnification when searching for doubling.

 

How to Grade Your 1929 Half Dollar

Grading is the single most important factor in determining your 1929 half dollar’s value—a coin that jumps from MS65 to MS66 can double or triple in price. Here is a simple, beginner-friendly grading guide specifically for this coin:

Good (G-4): The design is visible but heavily worn. Liberty’s skirt lines are nearly flat, the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” is readable but faint. Value: approximately $20–$30 for either mint mark.

Very Good (VG-8): About half of Liberty’s skirt lines are visible. The motto is distinct. Value: approximately $35–$50.

Very Fine (VF-20 to VF-30): The lines on Liberty’s skirt look sharp, with slight wear on her right arm and breast. Value: approximately $45–$80 depending on mint.

Extremely Fine (EF-40 to EF-45): Nearly all of Liberty’s gown lines are visible. Wear is obvious but limited to the highest points. Value: approximately $115–$165.

About Uncirculated (AU-50 to AU-58): Only the slightest traces of wear on the very highest points. Original luster is still present in the protected areas. Value: approximately $200–$350.

Mint State (MS-60 to MS-70): No wear whatsoever. The coin retains its full original mint luster, though lower MS grades (MS60–MS62) may show contact marks, bag marks, or dull luster. Value ranges from approximately $675 (MS60) to $82,250+ (MS67+ for the 1929-D).

 

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.

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FAQ About The 1929 Half Dollar Value

1. Is a 1929 half dollar made of silver?

Yes—the 1929 Walking Liberty half dollar is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, weighing 12.5 grams with 0.36169 troy ounces of pure silver content. At current silver prices near $30 per ounce, every 1929 half dollar has an intrinsic melt value of approximately $10–$11, providing a floor beneath its numismatic value regardless of grade or condition.

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

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

3. How much is a 1929 half dollar worth?

Values range from approximately $20 for heavily worn specimens up to $82,250 for the finest certified examples. The 1929-D MS67+ holds the all-time auction record at $82,250 (Legend Rare Coin Auctions, September 2018), while a 1929-S MS67 realized $71,875 at Heritage Auctions in January 2005. Typical circulated examples in Very Fine condition sell for $45–$80.

4. Which is worth more—the 1929-D or the 1929-S half dollar?

In circulated grades, both varieties are worth roughly the same amount ($20–$80 depending on condition). However, in mint state grades, the 1929-S becomes significantly more valuable than the 1929-D. The 1929-S ranks 24th in rarity across the Walking Liberty series (“Ultra Rare”), while the 1929-D ranks 56th (“Scarce”). For example, APMEX’s 2025 price guide lists the 1929-S MS67 at $39,300 retail, reflecting its superior condition rarity.

5. How many 1929 half dollars still exist in mint state condition?

As of May 2024, PCGS, NGC, and CAC combined had recorded 1,802 total mint state grading events for the 1929-D alone—a dramatic increase from just 355 recorded through 1991. However, the population thins dramatically at high grades: only two PCGS MS67+ and one NGC MS67 example of the 1929-D are known. The 1929-S population in gem grades is similarly thin, with MS67 representing extreme rarity for either mint.

6. What should I look for when grading a 1929 Walking Liberty half dollar?

Focus on three key areas: Liberty’s right hand (the first area to show wear), the gown lines on her dress (circulated coins show smoothing here), and the eagle’s breast feathers on the reverse. For strike quality, check whether Liberty’s hand detail is sharp or soft—the 1929-D generally shows better strikes than the 1929-S, though sharp examples of either are premium pieces. Coins with full, unbroken gown lines and sharp eagle feathers will grade significantly higher and fetch strong premiums.

7. Can I still find a 1929 half dollar in circulation today?

It is extremely unlikely. Walking Liberty half dollars were all made of 90% silver, and most were removed from circulation when silver prices rose in the 1960s. The U.S. government officially stopped releasing silver coins into general commerce after the Coinage Act of 1965 replaced silver in dimes and quarters, and silver half dollars were phased out by 1971. Your best sources for 1929 half dollars today are coin dealers, PCGS/NGC-certified auction sales, and online platforms like eBay or Heritage Auctions.

8. Is the 1929 Walking Liberty half dollar a key date?

Both 1929 varieties are considered semi-key to key dates in the Walking Liberty series. The 1929-S in particular—ranked 24th in rarity series-wide—is considered a genuine key date by many collectors, especially in grades above MS64. The 1929-D qualifies as a semi-key date, widely sought by set builders completing the early-date Walker series from 1916 through 1929.

9. Are there any notable varieties or die varieties for the 1929 half dollar?

One documented variety is the “No AW” 1929-S, where Weinman’s designer monogram does not appear on the reverse. An NGC-graded VF35 example of this variety sold for $99 on eBay in July 2018, though higher-grade authenticated examples would likely command a meaningful premium. No major PCGS-listed die varieties (such as repunched mint marks or doubled dies) are currently catalogued for 1929 specifically, though the series overall has hundreds of documented die varieties.

10. How does the 1929 half dollar’s silver content affect its value today?

The silver melt value provides an important floor below numismatic value. At current silver spot prices near $30 per ounce, each 1929 Walking Liberty half dollar is worth approximately $10–$11 in silver content alone. However, because both 1929 varieties are numismatically significant coins that sell for more than silver value even in heavily worn grades, collectors rarely encounter 1929 half dollars priced at melt. The numismatic premium above melt value starts the moment a 1929 half shows any collectible detail.