One of the most common Walking Liberty half dollars from all eras in Mint State, and the most common in Gem MS-65 and higher grades, the 1946-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar clearly benefitted from its production after the end of World War II in 1945. The Allied victory led to a contraction in the United States' economy beginning in 1946 which, in turn, led to reduced demand for new circulating coinage. This reduced demand resulted in a mintage of just 2,151,000 pieces for the 1946-D -- the lowest in the Walking Liberty "short set" of 1941 to 1947. The smaller mintage led to widespread hoarding on the part of contemporary dealers and speculators, who set aside large numbers of Mint State examples. Since this issue is both well produced and well preserved, it is an outstanding type candidate for collectors of high quality U.S. Mint coinage. Most such buyers settle for a certified coin in MS-66, at which grade level the 1946-D is readily obtainable and quite affordable. Greater persistence and deeper pockets are required to pursue this issue in higher grades, however, and in PCGS MS-67+ the 1946-D is the province of the most seasoned and well funded numismatists.

View 1946-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar Auction Results

The example to the left was sold by Stack's Bowers Galleries in June 2021 as part of the Lulu Collection, the #1 all-time finest PCGS Walking Liberty Half Dollar Short Set, where it realized $31,200.