The 1918-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar was struck in San Francisco in 1918 and had the third highest mintage of all Walking Liberty silver half dollars struck between 1916 and 1939. Adolph Weinman won a Commission of Fine Arts competition and was commissioned to design the silver half dollar and dime. His other designs before this one were rejected. Like other Walking Liberty silver half dollar coins from San Francisco, it carries the “S” mint mark. The luster is satin white or toning may be observed. Strike quality was an issue with this coin.
1918-S Walking Liberty Silver Half Dollar Value and Scarcity
The 1918-S Walking Liberty half dollar value is low because it is available. As late as the 1960’s it was still in circulation. It’s common in the lower grades but in mint state it is exceedingly difficult to find. The 1918-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar can range from $18 in lower circulated grade to upwards of $600 in higher uncirculated grades.In Gem condition it is one of the rarer early Walking Liberty coins. Its rarity is equal to the 1917-D reverse, 1917-S obverse, and 1921-D coins.
Many new coins go directly into coin collections. This wasn’t the case with the 1918-S Walking Liberty silver half dollars. Like with other silver half dollars, the relatively high face value of the coin could have impacted the number of coins initially saved. But it might have been the quality of the strike. Even in mint condition, a well struck 1918-S is very rare. This is not a key date for the Walking Liberty .
Type of coin: Half Dollar
Year: 1918-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar
Mint Mark: San Francisco
Total mintage: 10,282,000
Metal content: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
Face value: 50 cents
Weight: 12.5 grams
Edge: Reeded
Designer: Adolph Alexander Weinman
Diameter: 30.00 millimeters