1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar Worth Up to $175,000: When it comes to rare coins, few are as iconic and cherished by collectors as the 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar. Known for its stunning design and rich history, this coin has captured the imagination of numismatists and investors alike. In recent years, the value of the 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar has surged, with certain examples fetching prices as high as $175,000. But what makes this coin so valuable? What is its history, and how can you determine whether you have one of these rare and valuable coins in your collection? Let’s dive into the fascinating world of the 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar and uncover what makes it such a sought-after collectible.
The History of the Walking Liberty Half Dollar
The Walking Liberty Half Dollar was first introduced in 1916 and remained in circulation until 1947. It was designed by the famous artist Adolph A. Weinman, who was selected by the U.S. Mint to create a new design to replace the Barber Half Dollar. The obverse features a beautiful representation of Liberty striding forward, draped in the American flag, with her right hand extended in front of her and a laurel branch in her left hand. The reverse of the coin depicts an eagle perched on a rock, with wings outstretched in a powerful display of strength and freedom.
The Walking Liberty Half Dollar became one of the most admired designs in U.S. coinage history, and it quickly gained popularity. It was considered a symbol of hope, strength, and resilience for the American people during a time of social and political upheaval. While the coin was minted in large numbers during its production years, certain years and mintmarks of the Walking Liberty Half Dollar are rarer than others, making them highly desirable to collectors.
Why the 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar is So Valuable
The 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar is considered one of the most important coins in the series, and there are several reasons why this particular year stands out. Not only was 1917 a pivotal year in U.S. history, as the country was involved in World War I, but the 1917 coin also features important design changes and minting errors that have contributed to its rarity and high value in the marketplace.
Design Changes in 1917
One of the key features that makes the 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar stand out is the design change that occurred in that year. The first version of the Walking Liberty Half Dollar, minted from 1916 to 1917, had a design featuring Liberty’s right hand extended outward. However, in 1917, the U.S. Mint altered the design slightly, repositioning Liberty’s hand so that it now held the laurel branch higher, which created a more dynamic and visually appealing design. This change is often referred to as the “Type 1” versus “Type 2” design.
The 1917 coins are thus divided into two different types: the Type 1 with the hand outstretched and the Type 2 with the hand higher. While both types are valuable, the Type 1 is considered the rarer of the two and is worth significantly more to collectors, especially in high-grade condition.
The 1917 Philadelphia Mint Variety
Another factor contributing to the 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar’s value is the location where it was minted. The 1917 coins were produced at the Philadelphia Mint, and in general, coins from this mint tend to have higher values compared to those minted in other locations. The 1917 Philadelphia Mint coins, especially those that are in top condition, have become highly sought after.
The Philadelphia Mint produced the majority of the Walking Liberty Half Dollars during the early years of the series, and while large numbers of coins were minted, the survival rate of high-quality examples from 1917 is relatively low. As a result, those few remaining coins in excellent condition are worth considerably more.
Rarity and Demand
The rarity of the 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar is further compounded by the high demand from collectors. Coins that were produced in high numbers during their time in circulation often face a reduction in quantity due to wear, damage, or being lost over time. The 1917 coin is no exception—despite being minted in relatively large quantities, many of the coins have been worn down or damaged over the years, leaving only a small number of well-preserved examples.
As with most rare collectibles, the law of supply and demand plays a crucial role in determining the coin’s value. As fewer and fewer high-quality 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollars are available for sale, prices continue to rise, especially when a coin is in mint or near-mint condition.
The 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar in High Grades
The condition of the coin is one of the most important factors in determining its value. A coin that has been preserved in pristine condition will fetch a much higher price than one that has been heavily circulated. Coins are graded on a scale from 1 to 70, with 70 representing a perfect, uncirculated coin with no signs of wear.
The highest grades for the 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar are typically found in coins that have been graded MS-65 or higher. Coins in these grades can fetch substantial prices at auction. For example, an MS-65 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar could sell for several thousand dollars, while a coin in MS-67 or better could reach up to $175,000 or more.
How to Identify and Evaluate a 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar
If you believe you may have found a 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar, there are several steps you can take to identify and evaluate its potential value. Here’s what to look for:
1. Inspect the Design
First, check the design of the coin to determine whether it is a Type 1 or Type 2. The key difference is in Liberty’s right hand—on Type 1 coins, the hand is outstretched, while on Type 2 coins, the hand is higher and positioned differently.
2. Look for Mintmarks
The 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar was minted at the Philadelphia Mint, but certain years and mintmarks may affect the value of the coin. Ensure that the coin is correctly identified with the correct mintmark (if applicable). However, the 1917 Philadelphia Mint coins have no mintmark, as was common for coins struck in Philadelphia at that time.
3. Assess the Condition
The condition of the coin is crucial to its value. A coin that has been heavily circulated will show signs of wear, with the details of the design becoming less sharp. Look for coins that are free from scratches, nicks, or other damage. A coin in excellent condition with sharp, clear details will be much more valuable than one that has been worn down over time.
4. Get a Professional Grading
If you suspect that you have a rare or valuable 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar, it’s always a good idea to have it professionally graded by a numismatic expert. Professional coin grading services, such as the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) or the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), can assess the coin’s condition and assign it an official grade. This will provide you with an accurate valuation and help you determine whether it’s worth selling.
Conclusion: A Coin of Great Value
The 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar is one of the most iconic and valuable coins in U.S. history. Its stunning design, historical significance, and rarity have made it a favorite among collectors, and coins in high grades can fetch prices as high as $175,000. Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or a newcomer to coin collecting, the 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar is a coin that is well worth considering. As the demand for rare and valuable coins continues to grow, the 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar will likely remain a prized piece in the world of numismatics.
