1942 Walking Liberty 50C (Uncirculated)

America’s first full year of participation in World War II resulted in a tremendous increase in economic activity, and this is clearly reflected in the high mintages of 1942-45. The Philadelphia Mint nearly doubled its output of half dollars in 1942 over the previous year, and the 1942(P) half dollar is among the most common coins in this popular series. Certified pieces are plentiful through MS-67. Many examples display signs of die erosion, as the dies were run too long as a matter of necessity. Collectors should seek well struck pieces from fresh dies, and these are readily available. The 1942(P) half dollar has spectacular doubled-die varieties for both obverse and reverse, and these are attributed by NGC under its VarietyPlus Service. Lesser ones are known for the obverse alone, but these are of little interest to collectors.