1916-1947 Walking Liberty Half Dollar Values
Determining the current price of silver coins is a straightforward process once you know the silver content of the coin and the current market price, often referred to as the silver spot price.
| Description | Face Value | ASW | Silver Value | Per $1 Face Value | Per Bankroll | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walking Liberty Half Dollar | 1916-1947 Walking Liberty Half Dollar | $0.50 | 0.3575 | $13.95 | $27.90 | $278.99 |
1916-1947 Walking Liberty Half Dollar
The 1916-1947 Walking Liberty Half Dollar, designed by sculptor Adolph A. Weinman, is one of the most beautiful and iconic U.S. coins. Due to its historical significance, artistic design, and silver content, this half-dollar is highly popular among collectors and investors.
Design and Specifications
- Obverse (front): Features Lady Liberty striding toward the rising sun, draped in the American flag, holding branches of laurel and oak.
- Reverse (back): Depicts a majestic American eagle perched on a rock with wings partially raised.
- Weight: 12.5 grams
- Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
- Silver Content: 0.3617 troy ounces of pure silver
- Diameter: 30.6 mm
- Edge: Reeded
- A standard bankroll of half-dollars contains 20 coins, equivalent to a $10 face value, and 7.234 troy ounces of silver.
Mint Marks and Mints
- Philadelphia (no mint mark)
- Denver ("D")
- San Francisco ("S") The mint mark, when present, is located on the reverse, below the eagle's tail.
Value Calculation
A Walking Liberty Half Dollar's value depends on its silver content and numismatic value. To calculate the silver value:
For example, if the spot price of silver is $25 per troy ounce:0.3617 troy ounces × $25 = $9.04 (silver melt value). However, most Walking Liberty Half Dollars, especially those in good condition or from rarer years, carry significant numismatic value beyond their silver content.
For common dates, here is a general guide for coin values based on condition:
- Good (G) to Fine (F): $10-$15 (melt)
- Very Fine (VF): $20-$35
- Extremely Fine (XF): $35-$50
- About Uncirculated (AU): $50-$100
- Brilliant Uncirculated (BU/MS): $100-$200 for common dates, with higher prices for rare dates
- Proof Coins (1936-1942): Proof Walking Liberty Half Dollars can range from $500 to $5,000+, depending on the year and condition, with cameo examples fetching a premium.
Auction Records
Some Walking Liberty Half Dollars have achieved impressive prices at auction, particularly in high grades or with Full Strike examples: 1919-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar (MS66): Sold for $270,250 at auction in 2014, a record for the series. 1921-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar (MS66): Sold for $188,000 at auction in 2001. Deep cameo proof coins from the late 1930s can command extremely high prices, with some examples exceeding $15,000-$30,000 at auction.
Specific dates and mint marks in the series are rarer and more valuable than others, especially high-grade coins. Key dates include:
Special Editions and Proof Coins
The U.S. Mint produced Proof Walking Liberty Half Dollars between 1936 and 1942 at the Philadelphia Mint. These proof coins are highly desirable among collectors and sell for much more than regular circulation strikes. The mintages for proof coins were relatively low, often fewer than 25,000 per year, which increases their value.
Coin Roll Hunting
Finding Walking Liberty Half Dollars while coin roll hunting is still possible, but it is becoming increasingly rare. Due to their silver content, most of these coins have been removed from circulation. However, some collectors and searchers have had success finding them in mixed rolls of half dollars.
Investment Potential
The Walking Liberty Half Dollar is considered a good investment. As a 90% silver coin, it has intrinsic value based on its silver content, which safeguards against inflation and economic uncertainty. Many coins from this series, especially those in high grades or key dates, carry significant numismatic premiums, offering the potential for value appreciation.
The Walking Liberty design is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful in U.S. coinage history, which enhances its collectible demand. However, the coins are best suited for long-term investors and collectors. While their silver content provides a baseline value, numismatic factors such as condition, rarity, and market demand are critical in determining whether specific coins will appreciate significantly.
US Mint Silver Coin Values
| Description | Face Value | ASW | Silver Value | Per $1 Face Value | Per Bankroll | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nickel | 1942-1945 "War Nickel" | $0.05 | 0.0563 | $2.20 | $43.94 | $87.87 |
| Roosevelt Dime | 1946-1964 Roosevelt Dime | $0.10 | 0.0715 | $2.79 | $27.90 | $139.50 |
| Mercury Dime | 1916-1945 Mercury Dime | $0.10 | 0.0715 | $2.79 | $27.90 | $139.50 |
| Barber Dime | 1892-1916 Barber Dime | $0.10 | 0.0715 | $2.79 | $27.90 | $139.50 |
| Washington Quarter | 1932-1964 Washington Quarter | $0.25 | 0.17875 | $6.97 | $27.90 | $278.99 |
| Standing Liberty Quarter | 1916-1930 Standing Liberty Quarter | $0.25 | 0.17875 | $6.97 | $27.90 | $278.99 |
| Barber Quarter | 1892-1916 Barber Quarter | $0.25 | 0.17875 | $6.97 | $27.90 | $278.99 |
| 40% Kennedy Half Dollar | 1965-1970 Kennedy Half Dollar | $0.50 | 0.147893 | $5.77 | $11.54 | $115.42 |
| 90% Kennedy Half Dollar | 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar | $0.50 | 0.3575 | $13.95 | $27.90 | $278.99 |
| Franklin Half Dollar | 1948-1963 Franklin Half Dollar | $0.50 | 0.3575 | $13.95 | $27.90 | $278.99 |
| Walking Liberty Half Dollar | 1916-1947 Walking Liberty Half Dollar | $0.50 | 0.3575 | $13.95 | $27.90 | $278.99 |
| Barber Half Dollar | 1892-1915 Barber Half Dollar | $0.50 | 0.3575 | $13.95 | $27.90 | $278.99 |
| 40% Eisenhower Dollar | 1971-1976 Eisenhower Silver Dollar | $1.00 | 0.3161 | $12.33 | $12.33 | $123.34 |
| Peace Dollar | 1921-1935 Peace Dollar | $1.00 | 0.77345051 | $30.18 | $30.18 | $301.80 |
| Morgan Dollar | 1878-1904 & 1921 Morgan Dollar | $1.00 | 0.77345051 | $30.18 | $30.18 | $301.80 |
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Calculating Silver Coin Values
Coin melt value refers to the intrinsic value of the precious metal contained within a coin. It's the intrinsic value of the metals if a coin were sent to a refinery and melted down to recover the metal. The melt value is primarily determined by the metal's weight and purity and is calculated based on current market trading prices for the metal.
Most circulated junk silver coins are composed of an alloy containing 90% pure silver. Others may have a specific weight and purity denoted on them. This high silver content gives them a significant intrinsic value based on the current spot price of silver. Silver's weight is measured in troy ounces, which differ from the more common avoirdupois ounce used to measure most other goods in the U.S. An avoirdupois ounce contains roughly 28.35 grams, but a troy ounce contains roughly 31.1035 grams.
Silver Coin Melt Value Calculator
Determining the current price of silver coins is quick and easy. Simply enter the quantity of each coin denomination below and click the calculate button. The values are instantly calculated based on today's silver spot price.
Potential Numismatic Value
Beyond the silver content, pre-1965 silver coins may also have numismatic value for collectors. The melt value doesn't consider the numismatic or collector value that a coin might have. Specific key dates, mint marks, or conditions can make some coins worth significantly more than their melt value. Collectible coins may be worth more than their melt value due to rarity, historical significance, condition, and demand from collectors.
If you have questions about whether a coin has numismatic value, you can visit a local coin store in your area for a professional appraisal.
Silver Coin Melt Values
Historically, investors have utilized silver as a store of value and a hedge against inflation. As a tangible asset, silver can help preserve wealth over time. Many pre-1965 coins are valued for their 90% silver content.
By understanding the melt value, buyers can ensure they pay only a little over the intrinsic value. Melt value calculations require accurate information about the piece's purity and weight. Understanding these can help you verify that the silver coin you're buying is not counterfeit.
If your primary goal is to invest in precious metals, knowing the melt value allows you to assess the potential for profit or loss. You can track silver's market price and make informed decisions about buying or selling based on price.
When considering different forms of silver (e.g., coins vs. bars), knowing the melt value helps you compare them equally. For instance, you can compare the premium (the amount over melt value) you're paying for a coin to determine if it's a better or worse investment than a bar.
Silver investors often track their holdings' value to gauge their investment portfolio's overall performance. Knowing the is also important when selling.
Collector or numismatic coins derive much of their value from factors other than their melt value, such as rarity and historical significance.
