This is the second coin in the Walking Liberty silver half dollar series and was struck in Denver in 1916. The Walking Liberty name refers to the image on the coin face of Lady Liberty, walking with the rising sun and American flag behind her. The design started with a Commission of Fine Arts competition. The winner was tasked with designing the half dollar and dime. Several of Weinman’s initial silver half dollar designs were rejected. Because it was issued in Denver, it bears the “D” mint mark on the reverse of the coin.
1916-D Walking Liberty Silver Half Dollar Value and Scarcity
Even though almost twice as many 1916-D Walking Liberty silver half dollars were minted in Denver than Philadelphia, this coin is almost as rare as the original 1916 Walking Liberty half dollar in circulated grades. In Gem condition (grade 65-66) the 1916-D Walking Liberty silver half dollar is rarer than the 1916 Walking Liberty silver half dollar.
Like other new coins, many of these first-year issues were removed from circulation by coin collectors. However, because of the relative face value at issue fewer of these coins were saved than coins with a lower face value (such as nickels or dimes). Even so, this Walking Liberty silver half dollar is rarer, and the 1916-D Walking Liberty half dollar value is higher than for most of the subsequent dates of issue. Walking Liberty half dollar key dates are first date of issue – 1916 and last date of issue – 1947.
Type of coin: Half Dollar
Year: 1916-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar
Mint Mark: Denver
Total mintage: 1,014,400
Metal content: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
Face value: 50 cents
Weight: 12.5 grams
Edge: Reeded
Designer: Adolph Alexander Weinman
Diameter: 30.00 millimeters