The 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar stands as one of the most iconic and sought-after coins in American numismatic history. Celebrated for its breathtaking design and historical importance, this silver half dollar has captured the attention of collectors and investors alike. Depending on condition, mint mark, and strike type, some examples of this coin can command astonishing prices—reaching as high as $175,000 at auction.
With its artistic excellence, limited high-grade survivors, and strong collector demand, the 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar remains a cornerstone of U.S. coin collecting.
Key Highlights
The 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar offers several defining characteristics that impact its value:
- Designed by renowned sculptor Adolph A. Weinman
- Composed of 90% silver and 10% copper
- First year of issue for the Walking Liberty series
- Produced with two different mint mark placements
- Available from Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mints
- Highly valuable in uncirculated and proof-like conditions
- Rare top-graded examples reaching six-figure prices
These factors combine to make the 1917 issue one of the most studied coins in the series.
Historical Significance
The Walking Liberty Half Dollar was introduced in 1916 as part of a broader redesign of U.S. coinage aimed at elevating artistic standards.
Historical context includes:
- Issued during World War I-era America
- Symbolized freedom, optimism, and national strength
- Lady Liberty depicted striding toward the rising sun
- Reverse design featuring a powerful American eagle
- Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful U.S. coins ever struck
The 1917 issue represents the early evolution of this legendary design.
Design Details
The artistic elements of the 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar are a major reason for its enduring popularity.
Design features include:
- Obverse showing Liberty draped in the American flag
- Liberty holding olive branches symbolizing peace
- Rising sun representing hope and progress
- Reverse featuring a perched eagle with spread wings
- Strong classical influence inspired by ancient sculpture
The coin’s design later inspired the modern American Silver Eagle bullion series.
Mint Marks and Variations
One of the most critical aspects of the 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar is its unique mint mark variations.
Key variations include:
- Philadelphia Mint with no mint mark
- Denver Mint marked with “D”
- San Francisco Mint marked with “S”
- Early 1917 coins with mint mark on the obverse
- Later 1917 coins with mint mark on the reverse
Collectors highly value both obverse and reverse mint mark varieties, especially in high grades.
Mintage Numbers
Production levels play a significant role in determining value.
Approximate mintages include:
- 1917 Philadelphia: over 12 million coins
- 1917-D Denver: just over 1.7 million coins
- 1917-S San Francisco: around 1.9 million coins
- Reverse mint mark issues generally produced in lower quantities
Lower mintage combined with condition rarity drives collector premiums.
Condition and Grading Impact
The value of a 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar increases dramatically with condition.
Grading considerations include:
- Heavy wear significantly reduces value
- Fine to Very Fine grades remain collectible
- Extremely Fine examples show strong detail
- Uncirculated coins command substantial premiums
- Mint State 66 and above are exceptionally rare
Coins certified by professional grading services tend to achieve the highest auction prices.
Current Market Value
The value range for the 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar varies widely.
Typical price ranges include:
- Heavily worn examples: $15–$30
- Fine condition: $40–$75
- Extremely Fine: $120–$250
- Uncirculated: $800–$5,000+
- Top-graded rarities: up to $175,000
Reverse mint mark and high-grade coins dominate the upper end of the market.
Investment Potential
Collectors and investors continue to view the 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar as a strong long-term asset.
Investment strengths include:
- Historic first-year issue appeal
- Strong silver content backing intrinsic value
- Limited supply of high-grade survivors
- Consistent demand among collectors
- Proven auction performance at premium levels
High-quality examples have demonstrated steady appreciation over time.
Authentication and Preservation
Proper authentication and care are essential for protecting value.
Best practices include:
- Professional grading and encapsulation
- Avoiding cleaning or polishing
- Storing in climate-controlled environments
- Using archival-quality holders
- Handling only by the edges
Preservation plays a crucial role in maintaining long-term value.
Final Verdict
The 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar is far more than a piece of silver—it is a masterpiece of American coinage and a prized collectible with remarkable upside potential. With its timeless design, historical importance, and rare high-grade examples commanding prices up to $175,000, this coin remains a crown jewel in numismatics.
Whether you are a seasoned collector, a history enthusiast, or an investor seeking tangible assets, the 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar stands as a powerful symbol of artistry, heritage, and enduring value.