1942 50C, MS

Description

1942 50C Walking Liberty Half Dollar, Philadelphia Mint, MS67. This exceptional 1942-P Walking Liberty Half Dollar represents one of the most sought-after dates in the series when encountered in premium Gem condition. Graded MS67 by PCGS (Certificate #66336791), this coin exhibits the strong strike and frosty luster characteristic of Philadelphia Mint production during this final decade of the Walking Liberty design. The coin's technical specifications reflect the standard composition of the era: 90% silver and 10% copper, weighing 12.5 grams with a reeded edge. The 1942 Philadelphia issue benefits from an impressive original mintage of 47,818,000 pieces, yet finding examples in high grades remains surprisingly challenging. This particular specimen represents the upper echelon of the date, with only 136 coins graded higher out of 565 total PCGS submissions—a testament to the rarity of Gem examples. The 1942 is recognized among collectors as one of the three most common Walking Liberty halves in uncirculated and Gem grades, alongside the 1943 and 1946-D, though this should not diminish the significance of this MS67 example. The coin displays the typically excellent striking quality associated with the 1942 date, with well-defined obverse and reverse details. Original uncirculated rolls were saved in quantity, contributing to the occasional frosty luster observed in well-preserved examples. Designed by the renowned Adolph Alexander Weinman, this coin showcases the artistic merit that has made the Walking Liberty series a cornerstone of American numismatic collecting. An outstanding addition to any Walking Liberty collection or silver type set.