1933-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar – 90% Silver – Ungraded Coin
Coin Overview
This listing is for a 1933-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar, struck at the San Francisco Mint. Containing 90% silver, this is a highly collectible piece of United States numismatic history. Designed by renowned sculptor Adolph A. Weinman, the coin is widely considered one of the most beautiful designs ever produced for U.S. coinage.
The "S" mint mark identifies this as a San Francisco issue. The 1933-S holds a unique place in the Walking Liberty series as the only half dollar minted that year. With a total mintage of 1,786,000, it is considered a "transitional" date between the early (1916-1929) and middle (1934-1940) series.
Interestingly, despite the Great Depression, collectors could still purchase Uncirculated 1933-S Half Dollars directly from the U.S. Treasury as late as June 1934 for face value plus postage. However, very few were saved in Mint State compared to later issues, making it a scarce coin in mint state and very scarce in Gem condition. This issue is also known for having a nice, frosty luster and generally better strike quality than earlier San Francisco issues.
Design & Specifications
| Denomination | 50 Cents (Half Dollar) |
| Year of Issue | 1933 |
| Mint Mark | S (San Francisco) – located on the reverse side, below the olive branch near the left rim |
| Mintage | 1,786,000 |
| Composition | 90% Silver, 10% Copper |
| Weight | 12.5 grams |
| Diameter | 30.0 - 30.6 mm |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Designer | Adolph Alexander Weinman |
Obverse (Heads Side)
The obverse features a full-length figure of Lady Liberty striding confidently toward the sun, which is rising on the left. Her right arm is outstretched, and her left arm carries laurel and oak branches, symbolizing civil and military glory. She wears the Stars and Stripes as a cape, with stars in the background. The inscriptions LIBERTY and IN GOD WE TRUST appear alongside the date, 1933.
Reverse (Tails Side)
The reverse shows a powerful bald eagle perched on a rocky mountain crag with wings elevated in a defensive posture. The inscriptions read UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, and HALF DOLLAR. The S mint mark is placed below the olive branch on the lower left side.
Value & Condition
This coin is being sold in its ungraded state, meaning it has not been professionally assessed by a third-party grading service like PCGS or NGC.
