Designed by Adolph Weinman, the Walking Liberty was minted from 1916 until 1947. This design is considered one of the most beautiful all U.S. coins. The obverse depicts Lady Liberty striding toward the sunrise, draped in the American flag, holding laurel and oak branches symbolizing civil and military glory. The reverse features a majestic eagle perched on a mountain pine sapling.
This same design is also used for today’s 1 oz American Eagle Silver Coin.
Revitalizing U.S. Coinage
By the early 1900s, U.S. coin designs needed to be more inspiring and updated. In 1916, the Treasury sought to replace the designs of the Barber dime, quarter, and half dollar, which had been in circulation since 1892.
President Theodore Roosevelt spearheaded a campaign to elevate the artistry of American coinage, leading to iconic designs like the Saint-Gaudens $20 Double Eagle.
Estimated Value: $4,500 to $5,500
Instead of relying solely on the Mint’s engravers, the Treasury invited outside artists to submit proposals for the new coins, part of a push to bring fresh creativity to U.S. coinage.
Adolph A. Weinman, a prominent sculptor and medalist, was invited to participate in the competition. Weinman had already gained recognition for his work on sculptures and architectural embellishments.
The imagery captured the ideals of liberty, patriotism, and strength during rapid change and growing global conflict, which would become World War I.
Weinman’s design was praised for its bold and intricate details and stood out for its artistry and symbolism.
After the Commission of Fine Arts approved the design, the U.S. Mint Director and Treasury Secretary approved it and finalized the details for production.
1921 Walking Liberty
The combined mintage of all 1921 Walking Liberty Half Dollars across the three mints is among the lowest in the series, making these coins scarce.
In order to complete an entire set of the Walking Liberty Series, these coins are “must haves” for collectors, driving demand and increasing their value.
The 1921-D is particularly scarce in higher grades, making it one of the most valuable coins in the series.
Mintage of 1921 Walking Liberty Half Dollars
| Mint | Mintage |
|---|---|
| Philadelphia (No Mint Mark) | 246,000 |
| Denver (D) | 208,000 |
| San Francisco (S) | 548,000 |
| Total | 1,002,000 |
1921-S Walking Liberty
The 1921-S Walking Liberty stands out as a key date due to its low mintage of just 548,000 coins. During recent auction events, a PCGS MS64 graded coin sold for $9,000. Another, graded NGC AU58, realized $7,200 in a recent sale.
1916-S Half Dollar
As an early mintmarked issue, the 1916-S has a lower mintage compared to its Philadelphia counterpart, making it more valuable, especially in higher grades.
1917-D and 1917-S Obverse Mintmark
In 1917, the mintmark was moved from the obverse to the reverse. Coins with the mintmark on the obverse are scarcer and more sought after by collectors.
1919-D and 1919-S
These coins have low mintages and are challenging to find in higher grades due to heavy circulation, increasing their desirability.
1938-D
Although minted later, the 1938-D has a low mintage and is considered a semi-key date. It is relatively more affordable but still sought after by collectors.
Key Date Walking Liberty Half Dollars Values
| Date/Mint Mark | Good (G4) | Very Good (VG8) | Fine (F12) | Very Fine (VF20) | Extremely Fine (EF40) | About Uncirculated (AU50) | Mint State 63 (MS63) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1916-S | $20 | $25 | $30 | $40 | $65 | $110 | $400 |
| 1917-D Obverse | $40 | $50 | $60 | $80 | $150 | $250 | $1,000 |
| 1917-S Obverse | $40 | $50 | $60 | $80 | $150 | $250 | $1,000 |
| 1919-D | $60 | $80 | $100 | $150 | $300 | $500 | $2,500 |
| 1919-S | $40 | $50 | $70 | $100 | $200 | $400 | $1,500 |
| 1921 | $100 | $150 | $250 | $400 | $800 | $1,500 | $6,000 |
| 1921-D | $150 | $200 | $300 | $500 | $1,000 | $2,000 | $8,000 |
| 1921-S | $100 | $150 | $250 | $400 | $800 | $1,500 | $6,000 |
| 1938-D | $30 | $35 | $40 | $50 | $60 | $80 | $150 |
The value of these coins increases significantly with higher grades. Coins in Mint State conditions are much rarer and command premium prices.
Coin values can fluctuate based on silver prices, collector demand, and market trends. Staying informed about the market can help in making better investment decisions.
Key date Walking Liberty silver half dollars are not only valuable but also represent important pieces of U.S. numismatic history.
Sheldon Grading Scale
Due to the high value, its important to buy coins that are authenticated and graded by reputable third-party grading services like PCGS or NGC. Both of these grading services use the Sheldon Scale, a 70 point scale that provides an objective evaluation of a coin’s condition.
| Grade | Condition |
|---|---|
| Good (G4) | The coin is heavily worn. Major designs are visible but faint. |
| Very Good (VG8) | Moderate wear with the main features clear but lacking detail. |
| Fine (F12) | Moderate to considerable even wear. All major features are sharp but show wear. |
| Very Fine (VF20) | Light to moderate wear on high points. Details are clear. |
| Extremely Fine (EF40) | Very light wear on the highest points. Nearly all details are sharp. |
| About Uncirculated (AU50) | Traces of wear on the highest points. Luster may be diminishing. |
| Mint State (MS60 – MS65) | No signs of wear. MS65 coins have strong luster and eye appeal, with very few contact marks. |
Actual prices can vary depending on the coin’s specific condition, market demand, and other factors. For the most accurate and current values, please consult a recent coin price guide or a professional numismatist.
Final Thoughts
Collecting key date Walking Liberty half dollars offers a rewarding opportunity to own a piece of American history. These coins are cherished for their iconic design and historical significance. Whether you are a seasoned collector or a new investor, these key dates can be a valuable addition to your portfolio. Always conduct thorough research or consult with a professional numismatist when buying or selling high-value coins to ensure authenticity and fair market value.