Walking Liberty Half Dollars

Walking Liberty Half Dollar

The Walking Liberty Half Dollar is one of the most iconic half dollars in the coin world. It obtained such memorable name from is amazing full-bodied liberty design of Lady Liberty proudly walking over the sunrise. Its reverse had an eagle spreading its wings preparing to take flight. This legendary design was created by Adolph A. Weinman. The design was chosen in a competition over many other designers. The Walking Liberty Half Dollar was minted form 1916-1947 and it is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. The Walking Liberty Half Dollar is often hailed as one of the most beautiful coin designs ever produced by the United States Mint.

Walking Liberty Half Dollar Value

The Walking Liberty Half Dollar value varies depending on year, mint mark, mintage, and quality. Common date uncirculated versions of this coin can cost you as little as $30 while key date walking liberty coins can cost tens of thousands. Just to name a few, the key dates in the Walking Liberty Half Dollar series are the following: 1916-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar, 1919-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar, and the 1921 Walking Liberty Half Dollar.

Over the years, certain issues of the Walking Liberty Half Dollar have become particularly valuable due to their rarity, condition, and historical significance. Here are some of the most expensive Walking Liberty Half Dollars, along with their approximate values based on recent auctions and sales data for coins in high-grade conditions:

1. 1919-D: The 1919-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar is one of the key dates in the series, especially in high grades. In MS65 condition, it can be valued at over $50,000.

2. 1921-D: This coin is another key date, known for its low mintage and scarcity in higher grades. A 1921-D in MS65 condition can fetch upwards of $40,000.

3. 1916-S: The first year of issue for the Walking Liberty Half Dollar included the San Francisco mint mark. In high grades, a 1916-S can command prices around $30,000.

4. 1921-S: Like its Denver-minted counterpart, the 1921-S is extremely rare in higher grades. In MS65, it can be worth more than $25,000.

5. 1919-S: This coin is challenging to find in grades above MS60. In MS65, its value can exceed $20,000.

6. 1917-D Obverse Mint Mark: The 1917-D with the mint mark on the obverse is particularly scarce in high grades. An MS65 example can be valued at around $15,000.

7. 1917-S Obverse Mint Mark: Similar to the 1917-D, the 1917-S with the mint mark on the obverse is rare and valuable, with MS65 examples reaching up to $10,000.

8. 1920-D: This Denver-minted coin is hard to find in mint condition. In MS65, it can command prices of around $8,000.

9. 1916-D: The first year of issue for the Denver mint, a 1916-D in MS65 condition, can be worth approximately $7,000.

10. 1938-D: The last year of the Walking Liberty Half Dollar series and a coin with a relatively low mintage. In MS67 condition, it can fetch around $5,000.

How can you buy Walking Liberty Half Dollars?

Bullion Shark carries a large inventory of NGC certified and PCGS certified coins as well as rolls and individual ungraded coins. Check out our large selection on our website or call us at 516-739-5822 to speak with a numismatic expert.

Collecting Walking Liberty Half Dollars

Collecting Walking Liberty Half Dollars is a way to preserve and engage with American history. Each coin tells a story of its era, reflecting the economic conditions, technological advancements, and cultural shifts of early 20th-century America. Whether you're a seasoned numismatist or a new collector, these coins offer a tangible connection to the past and an enduring legacy of liberty.

Buy Walking Liberty Half Dollar coins online

Dive into the world of numismatics with our selection of Walking Liberty Half Dollar coins. From well-preserved specimens of key dates to more accessible pieces perfect for beginning collectors, our collection offers something for everyone. Embrace the opportunity to own a piece of American history and discover the beauty and legacy of the Walking Liberty Half Dollar.

How does the condition of a Walking Liberty Half Dollar affect its value, and what specific grading criteria should collectors look for?

The condition of a Walking Liberty Half Dollar greatly affects its value, with coins in higher grades commanding significantly higher prices. The grading scale for these coins ranges from About Good (AG), where the design is barely discernible, to Mint State (MS), where the coin shows no signs of wear and retains its original luster. Key grading criteria include the sharpness of Liberty's full figure on the obverse, particularly the hand and skirt lines, and the eagle's feathers on the reverse. Collectors should look for coins with minimal wear, strong strike details, and original luster, as these features indicate a higher grade. Additionally, the absence of significant marks or damage, such as scratches or environmental damage, is crucial in evaluating a coin's condition. Professional grading services can provide an accurate assessment of a coin's grade, which is essential for determining its market value.

What are the most effective methods for storing and preserving Walking Liberty Half Dollars to maintain their condition?

Storing and preserving Walking Liberty Half Dollars in a way that maintains their condition involves several key practices. First, it's important to use the right storage materials, such as acid-free holders, capsules, or albums, to protect the coins from environmental factors like humidity, which can cause tarnishing. Avoid handling the coins directly with your fingers; instead, use cotton gloves to prevent oils from your skin from causing corrosion. For long-term storage, consider using a climate-controlled environment to prevent extreme temperatures and humidity levels from damaging the coins. It's also advisable to keep the coins away from direct sunlight, which can fade and damage the surface over time. Finally, collectors are generally advised against cleaning their coins, as improper cleaning can significantly reduce their value by damaging the surface or removing the original patina.

Are there any notable varieties or errors within the Walking Liberty Half Dollar series that collectors should be aware of?

Within the Walking Liberty Half Dollar series, several notable varieties and errors are of particular interest to collectors. These include doubled dies, where elements of the design appear doubled, and repunched mint marks, where the mint mark letter is struck more than once by the mint employee, sometimes at different angles or positions. Another variety to look for is the 1946 double die reverse, characterized by doubling in the lettering and design elements on the reverse side of the coin. Errors such as off-center strikes, where the coin's design is not centered on the blank, or clipped planchets, where a piece of the coin is missing due to a mistake in the blank cutting process, also add to a coin's rarity and desirability. Identifying these varieties and errors often requires a keen eye and sometimes magnification, as the differences can be subtle. Coins with these characteristics can be more valuable than standard issues, especially in higher grades.

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