1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar: If you’ve got an old coin rattling around in a drawer—especially a 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar—you might be holding more than just a piece of history. Believe it or not, certain versions of this coin have fetched up to $175,000 at auction. That’s right: what looks like pocket change could actually be collector gold. In this complete guide, we’ll break down exactly why this coin is so valuable, how you can tell if yours is worth a fortune, and what steps to take if you think you’ve struck silver. Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist, a garage-sale enthusiast, or just someone cleaning out an old jewelry box, this article gives you everything you need to know—with real data, historical context, practical tips, and a friendly, expert voice.
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1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar
The 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar isn’t just an old coin—it’s a potential treasure. While most are worth modest sums, those with the right mint mark in mint condition can sell for as much as $175,000. It’s all about knowing what you have, getting it graded, and taking the right steps to protect or sell it. Whether you’re a coin nerd or just stumbled onto one in a box of grandpa’s keepsakes, there’s no harm in checking. Who knows? That little piece of silver might just make your day—or your year.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Coin Name | 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar |
| Potential Value | Up to $175,000 (in MS65+ condition with rare mint marks) |
| Metal Composition | 90% Silver, 10% Copper |
| Mint Marks | None (Philadelphia), D (Denver), S (San Francisco) |
| High-Value Types | 1917-S Obverse Mint Mark (graded MS65 or higher) |
| Circulation Period | 1916–1947 |
| Official Info | U.S. Mint Website |
A Look Back: The Story Behind the 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar
Before we dive into valuation, let’s give this coin its historical due. Designed by Adolph A. Weinman, the Walking Liberty Half Dollar was introduced in 1916, replacing the Barber Half Dollar. Weinman’s design, featuring Lady Liberty striding confidently toward the rising sun, was meant to embody freedom, courage, and optimism during a time of global upheaval (World War I was in full swing).
The coin’s reverse features a majestic eagle perched on a mountain crag, symbolic of America’s strength. Collectors and historians agree: the Walking Liberty series remains one of the most beautiful coins ever minted by the U.S. Treasury.
The 1917 issue stands out not just for its design, but for a unique mint mark transition: part of the year’s run had mint marks on the obverse (front), while the rest had it on the reverse (back). This change creates a fascinating (and valuable) variety for collectors today.
What Makes Some 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollars Worth $175,000?
Let’s be clear: not all 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollars are worth thousands. The ones pulling in six-figure bids are rare, pristine, and specific.
Here are the three key factors that determine value:
1. Mint Mark Location and Mint Type
The U.S. Mint in 1917 struck these coins at three locations:
- Philadelphia (no mint mark)
- Denver (“D”)
- San Francisco (“S”)
Early 1917-S and 1917-D coins had the mint mark placed on the front (obverse) of the coin. Later that year, the U.S. Mint shifted the mint mark to the reverse to maintain consistency. This created two varieties each for the Denver and San Francisco mints:
- 1917-D Obverse Mint Mark
- 1917-D Reverse Mint Mark
- 1917-S Obverse Mint Mark (the most valuable)
- 1917-S Reverse Mint Mark
The 1917-S Obverse variety is the rarest in high grades, which is where the mega-values come in.
2. Grade and Condition (MS-65 or Higher)
Coins are graded on a 70-point scale:
- MS-60 to MS-70 = Mint State (Uncirculated)
- AU-50 to AU-59 = Almost Uncirculated
- XF-40 to XF-49 = Extremely Fine
- VF-20 to VF-39 = Very Fine
To reach those $175,000 levels, your coin needs to be at MS-65 or higher, meaning it has no wear, full luster, and sharp details. According to PCGS, fewer than a dozen MS-65+ examples of the 1917-S Obverse have been graded.
3. Market Demand and Auction History
In numismatics, rarity plus demand equals value. The Walking Liberty series is popular among collectors and investors alike. Because many of these coins were used heavily during the Depression and both World Wars, finding a high-grade survivor is like finding a needle in a haystack.
According to Heritage Auctions, some 1917-S Obverse coins in MS-65+ condition have sold for over $175,000, while MS-63s can still fetch $25,000–$40,000.
Typical Value Chart for 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollars
| Coin Type | Fine (F12) | Extremely Fine (XF40) | Uncirculated (MS65+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1917 (no mint mark) | $20 | $75 | $1,500 |
| 1917-D Reverse | $25 | $110 | $4,000 |
| 1917-S Reverse | $30 | $150 | $6,000 |
| 1917-S Obverse | $40 | $225 | Up to $175,000 |
How to Check If Your Coin Is Valuable: Step-by-Step Guide
If you have a 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar, here’s how to find out if it’s a hidden gem.
Step 1: Find the Mint Mark
Look just below the motto “In God We Trust” on the obverse. If you see an “S”, and it’s on the front, you might be onto something big.
Step 2: Check the Condition
Hold the coin under a strong light. Look for:
- Full detail on Liberty’s gown
- Visible lines on the eagle’s wings
- No major scratches or wear
- Original mint luster
If it looks close to brand new, your coin could be uncirculated.
Step 3: Get It Graded
To truly determine value, send it to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC. They’ll slab it (encase it) and assign a grade. This service typically costs between $30–$75, but it’s worth every penny.
Do’s and Don’ts of Coin Handling
DO:
- Store in acid-free holders or coin flips
- Handle by the edges only
- Keep in a dry, stable environment
DON’T:
- Clean the coin with polish, soap, or chemicals
- Touch the surface with bare fingers
- Use abrasive materials
Cleaning or mishandling can destroy thousands of dollars in value instantly.
Tips for Selling Your 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar
- Get at least two appraisals from certified coin dealers
- Consider consignment at major auction houses
- If selling privately, request payment via escrow or certified check
- Keep all documentation and grading certificates
Expanding Your Coin Knowledge
Interested in exploring more valuable coins? Check out:
- 1943 Copper Penny (can sell for $100,000+)
- 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
- 1879 $4 Stella Gold Coin
- Double Die 1955 Lincoln Cent
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