The Walking Liberty Half Dollar is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful coins ever struck by the United States Mint. Designed by Adolph A. Weinman and produced from 1916 to 1947, the coin features a full-length Liberty striding toward the sunrise, draped in the American flag. So admired is the design that the US Mint revived it in 1986 for the American Silver Eagle bullion coin — meaning Weinman's Liberty still walks today.
Beyond its artistry, the Walking Liberty half dollar series is rich with key dates, scarce mint marks, and high silver content (0.3617 troy oz per coin), making it fascinating for collectors at every level. Here's what your coins are worth.
| Date | Good (G-4) | Fine (F-12) | VF-20 | MS-63 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1916 (P) | $130 | $200 | $320 | $1,200 |
| 1916-D (obv. MM) | $60 | $110 | $185 | $700 |
| 1916-S | $50 | $90 | $160 | $650 |
| 1917-S (obv. MM) | $80 | $160 | $280 | $1,800 |
| 1919-D | $40 | $90 | $175 | $1,500 |
| 1921 (P) | $180 | $350 | $600 | $4,500 |
| 1921-D | $200 | $400 | $750 | $6,000+ |
| 1921-S | $60 | $130 | $280 | $3,500 |
| 1923-S | $22 | $50 | $110 | $1,200 |
| 1927-S | $18 | $35 | $80 | $900 |
| 1938-D | $65 | $115 | $185 | $350 |
| Common (1941–1947) | $12–$14 | $14–$17 | $16–$20 | $45–$90 |
Values reflect 2025 market conditions. Silver melt value (~$9.75–$10.85 per coin) forms the absolute floor for all Walking Liberty halves.
🔍 Browse Walking Liberty Half Dollars on eBayThe 1921 and 1921-D are the two most valuable regular-issue Walking Liberty half dollars. Production was suspended after 1916 due to World War I priorities and didn't resume until 1921. Both Philadelphia and Denver struck relatively small numbers — 246,000 for Philadelphia and just 208,000 for Denver — making the 1921-D the lowest-mintage issue in the entire series.
Even heavily worn examples of both dates trade for $180–$200+, and the 1921-D in Fine condition easily brings $400. In MS-63, the 1921-D can sell for $6,000–$8,000. These are legitimately scarce coins that attract serious collector interest.
An important quirk of early Walking Liberty halves: in 1916 and part of 1917, the mint mark appears on the obverse (front) of the coin, at the lower left near the date. From mid-1917 onward, the mint mark was moved to the reverse, at the lower left above the rim.
This creates a rare variety: the 1917-S with the mint mark on the obverse. These are worth far more than the standard 1917-S reverse mint mark coins — the 1917-S obverse is worth $80+ in Good, compared to $12–$14 for the common 1917-S reverse. Always check both sides when you have a 1916 or 1917 Walker.
The 1938-D is the final year's Denver issue and has a mintage of just 491,600 — very low for a late Walking Liberty. Unlike the 1921 dates which see premium values even in heavily worn grades, the 1938-D premium really kicks in at VF and above. Even so, Good-grade examples start at $65, significantly above melt, making this a coin worth setting aside.
The World War II era Walking Liberty halves (1941–1947) were struck in enormous quantities to meet wartime demand for coinage. Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco all produced millions of coins annually. These are the "common dates" of the series and trade primarily as silver bullion in circulated grades.
However, even common Walkers in uncirculated condition gain significant numismatic premiums. An MS-65 1942 Philadelphia half in full strike can fetch $80–$150, and superb MS-67 examples of these later dates sell for $300–$800 or more. Strike quality varies considerably — Philadelphia generally produced the best-struck coins, while San Francisco issues are often weaker.
Liberty's left hand and arm: This is the first area to show wear on the obverse. In circulated coins, the fingers and hand definition fade quickly. Full hand and finger detail indicates EF-45 or better.
Liberty's head and cap: The cap shows wear early; the head detail (hair strands, facial features) should be sharp on uncirculated coins.
Eagle's breast and left wing (reverse): These are the high points on the reverse. Wear here is used to distinguish circulated grades. In MS coins, complete feather detail should be visible throughout.
Every Walking Liberty half dollar contains 0.3617 troy ounces of pure silver (90% silver, 10% copper; total weight 12.5 grams). With silver at $27–$30/oz, that's approximately $9.75–$10.85 in metal value. No Walking Liberty half dollar is worth less than this amount.
For rolls or bulk lots, multiply 20 coins × $9.75–$10.85 = $195–$217 per roll in silver value. Common-date circulated rolls trade at slight premiums to melt — typically $200–$240 per roll — making them popular with silver stackers as well as coin collectors.
Walking Liberty halves are benefiting from two converging trends: rising silver prices and growing collector interest in classic US type coins. The design's revival on American Silver Eagles has introduced millions of people to Weinman's work, creating demand for the originals. Key dates like the 1921 and 1921-D have shown strong appreciation over the past decade and continue to command serious auction results.
🛒 Shop Key Date Walking Liberty Halves on eBayThe Walking Liberty half dollar is a series that rewards careful attention. Common dates from the 1940s are worth $12–$18 in silver. Early dates from 1916–1921 carry substantial numismatic premiums, with the 1921 and 1921-D being the series' top keys at $180–$8,000+ depending on grade. Look for obverse mint marks on 1916–1917 coins, check for the Full Head designation on uncirculated pieces, and never clean your coins. A well-preserved Walker in gem condition is one of the most beautiful coins in the American numismatic canon.