[The following excerpt is published courtesy of DLRC Press and its author, Bruce Fox. This information was originally published in 1993 in The Complete Guide to Walking Liberty Half Dollars]
* * *
MINTAGE: 12,708,000
VARIETIES: V 101 – Large trumpet tailed “S” (may exist with knob tail or sharp serifs) ( Breen 5192).
V 102 – Small “S” (Micro) (Breen 5191).
V 103 – No “AW” monogram (Breen 5193).
V 104 – Doubled “S” northeast (RPM #1 and CONE E-01).
V 105- Doubled “S” south. Doubled HALF DOLLAR south (CONE E-02).
SCARCITY: Very rare fully struck and extremely rare in fully struck gem condition. Lower mint state grades with 50% or less detail are readily available. Circulated specimens are common, except AU’s with a strike worthy of the “AU look.”
RARITY RATING: G/VG R1; F/VF R1; EF/AU R1; MS60/MS63 R1; MS64 R1; MS65 R3
RARITY CONSENSUS: G/VG 49/65; F/VF 54/65: EF/AU 48/65; M560/MS62 42/65; MS63 41/65; MS64 43/65; MS65 34/65
TOTAL MS PCGS/NGC/ANACS = 4275 (Ranking 48/65).
COMMENTS: Mintage is relatively high for a San Francisco issue. However, dies were used too long to produce quality coins. Weak striking pressure and/or excessive die spacing also came into play accounting for the number of poorly struck pieces from what appear to be early die states. Abrasions are common. Fully struck specimens are indeed rare and locating one that is even 90% struck, with minimal abrasions and eye appeal, is a monumental task. Luster is normally frosty similar to the 1942-D.
In the June 1986 sale by Superior Auction, lot number 1087 was labeled as “possible unique proof 1942-S Half Dollar.” The description was as follows:
“This is the first time that we have heard of such a coin, and although it does not quite meet all the criteria to be a true Philadelphia Proof, it appears to have been struck more than once. Its features are almost needle-sharp, particularly when taking into consideration that a typical 1942-S is a softly struck coin and lacks central detail, especially on the hand and on Liberty’s head. In addition to this, the edges are squared, it contains some prooflike surfaces and even has the “look” of a Proof coin. Some handling marks are evident, but are really only visible under strong magnification. A film of natural, light mottled toning obscures some of the proof surfaces. Perhaps if the coin was dipped, its full mirror surfaces might come through. Nevertheless, we suggest you view this yourself, as it is being sold as is. To the best of our knowledge we know of no verified Proof 1942-S to exist.”
I have examined this coin. It was definitely unique in its strike and square edges. I have never since seen an equal. I don’t know who the current owner is, but would like to know if any of the grading services have rendered an opinion. A very interesting coin.
