This guide explains how to identify, grade, and estimate the value of a 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar. It covers mint marks, condition, common varieties, and practical selling tips to help you get a realistic price.
Overview of the 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar
The Walking Liberty half dollar was designed by Adolph A. Weinman and struck from 1916 to 1947. In 1917 collectors will find examples from Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S).
Key factors that determine the 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar value are mint mark, grade, strike quality, toning, and known rare varieties or errors.
1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar mint marks and rarity
Mint marks are small letters appearing on the reverse near the lower-left area. The mint can change scarcity and market demand.
- 1917 (Philadelphia): No mint mark; common relative to some mint-marked issues.
- 1917-D (Denver): Less common in high grades due to circulation wear.
- 1917-S (San Francisco): Often the most valuable in high grades because finer examples are rarer.
How mint mark affects value
For typical circulated grades, differences between mint marks may be modest. In uncirculated grades, the 1917-S and high-grade 1917-D can command significant premiums over Philadelphia examples.
Grading basics: How grade drives the 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar value
Grading is the primary price driver. Coins are graded on a 70-point Sheldon scale by services like PCGS and NGC. Higher numeric grades mean much higher values, often exponentially so.
General grade categories include:
- Good to Fine (G-F): Heavy wear, details flattened.
- Very Fine to Extremely Fine (VF-EF): Moderate to light wear, most details visible.
- About Uncirculated to Mint State (AU-MS): Little to no wear; full luster in MS grades.
Typical value ranges
Values vary widely by grade and mint. As a practical guide:
- Circulated common grades (G-F): modest value, often near silver melt plus a small premium.
- Higher circulated to AU: moderate premiums; collectors pay more for original surfaces and nice toning.
- Certified MS60–MS65: significant premiums; the jump from MS64 to MS65 can be large.
- Top certified examples (MS66+): rare and can reach into five-figure or higher territory, with exceptional pieces approaching the highest recorded prices.
Why some 1917 Walking Liberty halves can be worth up to 155000
Exceptional examples that are extremely well struck, minimally handled, and certified at the highest grades are scarce. The collector market rewards rarity in top condition, driving prices upward.
Other value drivers include:
- Exceptional original luster and eye appeal
- Strong strike and sharp details on Liberty’s gown and eagle feathers
- Attractive natural toning preferred by collectors
- Documented provenance or auction history
Identification and quick checks for authenticity
Before sending a coin for grading or sale, do simple checks at home. Compare to clear online photos from trusted grading services and auction houses.
- Weigh the coin: genuine half dollars should weigh about 12.5 grams for silver pieces of this era.
- Check diameter: about 30.6 mm.
- Inspect edges for reeding and signs of tampering.
- Look for consistent strike and surface texture that match original minting.
How to get a realistic value for your 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar
Follow these steps to establish a market value:
- Identify the mint mark and general grade by comparison with reference photos.
- Consider professional grading if the coin is a candidate for a top grade.
- Review recent auction results for the same date, mint, and grade from major houses and certified sale databases.
- Factor in marketplace trends and buyer demand for Walking Liberty halves.
Selling options
Options include auction houses, specialist dealers, and online marketplaces that accept certified coins. Auctions often achieve higher prices for exceptional certified pieces but charge fees.
Case study: Small real-world example
A collector found a well-preserved 1917-S Walking Liberty at a local estate sale, believed to be uncirculated. After authentication and professional grading, the coin was slabbed as a high MS grade and consigned to a specialist auction house.
The grading and auction exposure led to a final price substantially higher than local dealer offers. This illustrates the importance of proper grading and marketing for top examples.
Practical tips for buyers and sellers
- Buy graded coins for reassurance unless you are experienced with raw grading.
- For sellers, obtain at least one reputable auction estimate for high-grade pieces.
- Store coins in a stable, low-humidity environment and avoid cleaning, which reduces value.
- Keep provenance and documentation; good records improve buyer confidence.
Using the guidance above, you can better estimate whether your 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar is a common silver piece or a top-tier example that could reach into five-figure or higher prices. For the most accurate valuation, consult recent certified auction results or a trusted numismatic professional.