Overview of the 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar Value Guide
The 1917 Walking Liberty half dollar is a key date for collectors and dealers. Values vary widely depending on mintmark, condition, and any unusual die varieties or errors.
This guide explains what to look for, realistic price ranges, and steps to confirm if a coin could reach high auction levels—sometimes up to $175,000 for the rarest, highest-grade pieces.
Key varieties and mintmarks for 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar
Three principal mint locations produced 1917 Walking Liberty halves: Philadelphia (no mintmark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). Each mint produced different quantities and strike qualities.
- 1917 (Philadelphia) — common in circulated grades, rarer in gem Mint State.
- 1917-D — lower mintage and less common in high grades.
- 1917-S — often tougher to find with sharp details and can be more valuable at high grades.
Notable varieties
Some 1917 issues show die states and overdates that collectors prize. Watch for doubled elements, repunched mintmarks, or unusual die breaks.
These features can raise a coin’s value beyond standard grade pricing, especially when combined with high technical grade.
How condition affects 1917 Walking Liberty half dollar value
Condition (grade) is the most important value driver. Professional grading firms like PCGS and NGC cement collector confidence and unlock higher prices.
Basic price bands by condition and mintmark are helpful as a starting point, but remember each coin is unique.
Approximate value ranges by grade
- Good (G-4) to Fine (F-12): modest premiums, often common-date prices.
- Very Fine (VF-20) to Extremely Fine (EF-40): notable jump as strikes and surfaces improve.
- About Uncirculated (AU-50) to Mint State (MS-60 to MS-65): prices rise steeply.
- MS-66 and above: top-quality survivors, rare and can reach five-figure prices or more.
How to identify valuable 1917 Walking Liberty half dollar
Follow a consistent inspection routine to decide if a coin warrants professional grading or a specialist opinion. Small defects or cleaning can drastically reduce value.
Step-by-step identification checklist
- Confirm the date and mintmark location (reverse, below the eagle’s tail).
- Examine strike quality on high points: Liberty’s arm, the folds of the gown, and eagle feathers.
- Look for surface issues: hairlines, scratches, corrosion, or cleaning marks.
- Check for die varieties and mint errors with magnification and reference guides.
- Consider professional grading if the coin appears high-grade and original.
Price guide and realistic auction results
Below are example price bands for typical finds. These are indicative and depend on market changes, certification, and provenance.
- Circulated common 1917 (Philadelphia): $30–$250 depending on wear.
- 1917-D circulated to AU: $100–$1,000 depending on grade.
- 1917-S in high AU to MS63: $500–$10,000, with strong coins much higher.
- Exceptional certified MS65+ or rare die varieties: five-figure prices and potentially up to about $175,000 for unique auction-grade pieces.
High-end prices reflect very small populations of flawless survivors and strong collector demand. Provenance and proper certification can push a price to the top of the range.
The Walking Liberty half dollar design by Adolph A. Weinman remained in circulation design studies and later inspired the American Silver Eagle obverse used from 1986 onward.
Case study: Real-world example
A collector submitted an unrestored 1917-S Walking Liberty half to grading after spotting strong luster and sharp feather detail. The coin graded MS66 by a major service and had a clean surface with original toning.
Because of the high grade and the San Francisco mint rarity at that level, the coin sold at auction to a specialist collector. The sale price reflected premium collector demand for registry-quality examples.
Practical steps: buying, grading, and selling
If you believe you own a valuable 1917 Walking Liberty half dollar, follow these practical steps to protect and realize its value.
- Never clean the coin. Professional cleaning can remove value irreversibly.
- Store in a soft, inert holder to prevent damage before grading.
- Use reference books and verified online auction results to compare prices.
- Consider third-party grading for coins that appear to be high-grade or rare varieties.
- Work with reputable dealers or auction houses when selling high-value pieces.
Final thoughts on 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar value
Most 1917 Walking Liberty halves are affordable for collectors, but a small number of high-grade or rare-variety coins command very large prices. Focus on condition, mintmark, and certification to assess value accurately.
Use the checklist and practical steps above to decide whether a coin deserves further investment in grading and marketing. With careful handling and research, you can unlock full value—sometimes reaching the top auction levels cited for the most exceptional survivors.