Can This 1939 Half Dollar Be Made Into Jewelry? A Crafter’s Guide

Introduction: The Art of Coin Jewelry Crafting

Not every coin is suitable for crafting. Let’s look at the metal composition and durability of this piece for jewelry making.

As a coin ring artisan, I’m often asked about transforming collectible coins into wearable art. Today, we’ll examine the 1939 Walking Liberty Half Dollar and determine whether it’s suitable for jewelry crafting. This particular piece, graded MS65 by PCGS and listed on eBay (item #327052668271), has sparked significant interest in the collecting community.

Metal Composition and Silver Content

The 1939 Walking Liberty Half Dollar contains 90% silver and 10% copper, making it an excellent candidate for jewelry crafting. The high silver content provides several advantages:

• Durability: The 90% silver composition offers a good balance between malleability and strength
• Workability: Silver at this purity level is soft enough to shape without excessive force
• Patina development: Over time, the copper content creates beautiful oxidation patterns

For comparison, modern coins contain only 40% silver or are copper-nickel clad, making them less desirable for high-quality jewelry pieces.

Design Details and Aesthetic Appeal

The Walking Liberty design, created by Adolph A. Weinman, is one of the most beautiful in American coinage history. For jewelry crafting, this design offers several advantages:

• Flowing lines: The draped Liberty figure creates elegant curves perfect for ring bands
• Depth: The relief is substantial enough to remain visible after shaping
• Symmetry: The design wraps around the entire coin, ensuring visual interest from all angles

The MS65 grade indicates the coin has minimal marks and retains much of its original luster, which can translate beautifully when transformed into jewelry.

Metal Hardness and Workability

90% silver has a Rockwell hardness of approximately 45-50, making it ideal for coin ring crafting. This hardness level allows for:

• Controlled bending: The metal responds well to gradual shaping techniques
• Minimal cracking: Unlike harder metals, 90% silver rarely fractures during the folding process
• Smooth finishing: The surface polishes beautifully without requiring excessive effort

However, the MS65 grade also means the coin has retained its original mint luster, which may be partially lost during the crafting process. This is an important consideration for collectors versus crafters.

Historical Significance and Collector Value

The 1939 Walking Liberty Half Dollar holds historical significance as it was minted during the late Great Depression era. Understanding its history helps inform crafting decisions:

The Walking Liberty design was so admired that it was revived for the American Silver Eagle bullion coins in 1986, making it one of the most enduring designs in U.S. Mint history.

The coin’s MS65 grade and the fact that it’s been certified by PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) adds to its collectible value. The price history shows significant appreciation – from $3,388 three weeks ago to a current asking price of $7,500 on eBay, with the seller’s website listing it at $7,250.

Crafting Considerations

Before crafting this coin into jewelry, consider these factors:

1. Ethical considerations: Some collectors view altering certified coins as destructive
2. Cost analysis: At current prices, the material cost alone is substantial
3. Skill level required: Working with high-grade coins requires advanced techniques to preserve design elements

The coin’s excellent condition means it would make a particularly beautiful ring, but the investment might be better preserved by leaving it in its original state.

Alternative Crafting Approaches

If you’re interested in creating Walking Liberty jewelry but concerned about using a high-grade specimen, consider these alternatives:

• Lower-grade examples: Circulated coins in Fine or Very Fine condition are more affordable
• Common dates: 1940s and 1950s Walking Liberty halves are more abundant
• Replica coins: Brass or copper replicas can achieve similar aesthetic results

Market Analysis and Value Considerations

The price trajectory of this particular coin is noteworthy. The $4,100 increase in value over three weeks demonstrates strong market demand. However, several forum participants noted that the coin is currently listed as “sold” without a disclosed final price, suggesting the asking price may be aspirational.

For crafters, this price volatility presents both opportunities and challenges. While high silver prices benefit those selling scrap silver, they also increase the cost of materials for jewelry making.

Conclusion: To Craft or Not to Craft?

The 1939 Walking Liberty Half Dollar in MS65 condition represents an interesting case study in the intersection of numismatics and jewelry crafting. Its 90% silver content, beautiful design, and excellent condition make it technically suitable for crafting. However, the significant collector value and historical importance suggest that preserving it in its original state might be the wiser choice.

For those determined to create Walking Liberty jewelry, I’d recommend seeking out circulated examples or common dates that offer similar aesthetic appeal without the premium price tag. This approach allows you to honor the iconic design while creating wearable art that won’t break the bank.

Remember, every coin has a story, and as crafters, we have the privilege of continuing that story – whether by preserving the coin’s original state or transforming it into something new. The choice ultimately depends on your goals, budget, and respect for the coin’s history.

Related Resources

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