1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar Value: Few American coins capture the spirit of their era as gracefully as the 1917 Walking Liberty half dollar. Issued as the nation prepared to enter World War I, the coin’s design by sculptor Adolph A. Weinman portrays Lady Liberty in confident motion, draped in the American flag, walking toward the sun’s rays. It is a symbol of hope and forward momentum during a time of global uncertainty. Today, this coin is cherished not only for its stunning beauty but also as a tangible piece of history. For collectors, understanding its nuances—from mint marks to condition—is the first step toward appreciating its true place in the world of numismatics.
What Determines the Coin’s Market Value?
Two primary factors shape the worth of a 1917 Walking Liberty half dollar: its state of preservation and where it was made. Coins that saw extensive use in commerce exhibit wear on the highest points of the design, like Liberty’s hand and leg, the folds of her gown, and the eagle’s breast feathers. These circulated pieces remain valuable for their silver content and as accessible historical artifacts. On the other hand, coins that survive in original, unworn condition with full mint luster and sharp details are considerably rarer and more desirable. The mint mark—a small letter indicating its origin—plays an equally vital role. While Philadelphia (no mint mark) and Denver (“D”) produced millions, the San Francisco (“S”) mint struck far fewer, creating natural scarcity that elevates value, especially when combined with outstanding preservation.
1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar: Detailed Reference Table
| Mint Issue | Mintage | Distinguishing Features | Circulated to About Uncirculated Value Range | Mint State (Uncirculated) Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1917 (Philadelphia) | 12,292,000 | No mint mark. The most readily available issue. | $25 – $500 | Values increase significantly with grade. In MS65 (gem condition), coins can bring $4,000 to $10,000+. |
| 1917-D (Denver) Reverse Mint Mark | 1,940,000 | “D” mint mark located on reverse, lower left near rim. | $30 – $800 | Scarcer in top grades. MS65 examples often trade between $6,000 and $15,000. |
| 1917-D (Denver) Obverse Mint Mark | Approx. 200,000 | “D” mint mark on obverse, left of date. One-year transitional variety. | $500 – $5,000+ | The key rarity of the year. In MS63 and above, auction prices range from $20,000 to over $100,000. |
| 1917-S (San Francisco) | 952,000 | “S” mint mark on reverse. Lowest annual mintage. | $35 – $1,200 | Consistently prized across all grades. Gem MS65 coins can achieve $8,000 to $20,000 or more. |
Spotlight on Rare Varieties and Record Prices
The 1917 series includes one of the most famous varieties in 20th-century U.S. coinage: the 1917-D with the mint mark on the obverse. This variety resulted from a short-lived minting practice early in the year, making it dramatically scarcer than its reverse mint mark counterpart. High-grade examples of this coin are true numismatic trophies. While any 1917 half dollar in pristine, uncirculated condition is rare due to widespread circulation, certified examples graded by services like PCGS or NGC regularly attract strong collector interest. Public auctions have seen exceptional specimens, particularly the obverse mint mark ‘D’ in top condition, achieve prices that reflect their iconic status and extreme rarity, solidifying their position as centerpieces of advanced collections.
A Accessible and Stable Market for Collectors
The market for Walking Liberty half dollars is notable for its depth and stability, appealing to a wide spectrum of enthusiasts. New collectors are drawn to the series for its iconic design and the availability of affordable, circulated examples. Advanced collectors pursue the challenge of assembling a complete set, seeking high-grade “gem” coins and elusive mint marks. This broad demand, coupled with the coin’s 90% silver content, provides a solid valuation floor. Prices gracefully scale from modest sums for worn common dates to significant five- and six-figure amounts for condition-rarity gems. This gradient ensures the series remains a rewarding pursuit for every budget and level of experience, functioning as both a meaningful hobby and a store of enduring value.
The Timeless Legacy of Weinman’s Masterpiece
More than a piece of money, the 1917 Walking Liberty half dollar is a pocket-sized work of art that embodies a resilient American spirit. Owning one is to hold a fragment of history from the Great War era—a silent witness to a nation’s resolve. Each coin carries a story, from its origin at the U.S. Mint to the countless hands it may have passed through over a century. It is this powerful fusion of artistic achievement, historical significance, and numismatic substance that secures the Walking Liberty half dollar’s revered status, promising to captivate and inspire collectors for generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How much silver is in a 1917 Walking Liberty half dollar?
A: Each coin is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, containing 0.36169 troy ounces of pure silver.
Q: Where is the mint mark on a standard 1917 Walking Liberty half dollar?
A: For most 1917 issues, the mint mark (‘D’ for Denver or ‘S’ for San Francisco) is located on the reverse (back) of the coin, just below the leftmost pine sapling. Philadelphia coins have no mint mark.
Q: What makes the 1917-D obverse mint mark coin so special?
A: This is a rare transitional variety where the ‘D’ mint mark was placed on the obverse (front), to the left of the date. It was only used for a brief period early in the year, making it much scarcer than the reverse mint mark version.
Q: Are cleaned or damaged coins still valuable?
A: Cleaning or damage (like scratches or heavy corrosion) significantly reduces a coin’s numismatic value to collectors. Such coins are typically valued based on their silver content (“melt value”) only.
Q: Where is the best place to buy or sell one of these coins?
A: Reputable sources include established coin dealers, major numismatic auction houses, and certified marketplaces. Always seek coins that have been authenticated and graded by professional services like PCGS or NGC for security.
Q: Is this coin a good investment?
A: While past performance doesn’t guarantee future results, high-quality examples of key dates and mint marks have historically appreciated due to their rarity, artistry, and collector demand. It’s essential to buy from reputable sources, focus on condition, and view collecting as a long-term passion as much as a financial endeavor.
Disclaimer: The values provided are educated estimates based on recent market trends and can fluctuate due to precious metal prices, collector demand, and the specific eye appeal of an individual coin. For any significant purchase or sale, consultation with a trusted professional coin dealer or certified grading service is strongly recommended.
