Walking Liberty Half Dollar: The Walking Liberty Half Dollar stands as one of the most breathtaking and historically significant coins in American numismatics. Minted between 1916 and 1947, this silver coin features an inspiring design of Lady Liberty striding confidently towards a rising sun, symbolizing hope and freedom. Today, these coins are highly sought after by collectors, not only for their historical significance but also for their immense monetary value.
While every Walking Liberty Half Dollar holds value due to its 90% silver content, certain rare editions are worth a small fortune. In this article, we’ll uncover five rare Walking Liberty Half Dollars that have set auction records and continue to fascinate collectors worldwide.
Overview of Rare Walking Liberty Half Dollars
| Coin | Year & Mint | Key Rarity Factor | Record Sale Price |
| 1919-D | Denver Mint | Low mintage and poor strike quality | $270,250 (2004) |
| 1921-S | San Francisco Mint | Extremely limited mintage | $188,000 (2016) |
| 1921-D | Denver Mint | Scarce in high-grade condition | $168,000 (2018) |
| 1917-S (Obverse Mintmark) | San Francisco Mint | Unique mintmark placement | $152,750 (2015) |
| 1944 | General Mintage | Rare in pristine condition | $109,250 (2010) |
1. 1919-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar
The 1919-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar is an exceptional rarity from the Denver Mint. With a limited mintage of just 1.1 million coins, its scarcity increases dramatically when searching for high-grade examples. The coin’s detailed design was prone to uneven strikes, causing many specimens to lose their sharpness over time.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Limited production numbers from Denver.
- High-quality examples are almost non-existent due to heavy circulation.
Record Sale:
In 2004, a gem-quality 1919-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar fetched a staggering $270,250 at auction.
Collector’s Tip: Pay close attention to Lady Liberty’s robe details and the eagle’s feathers, as these are key indicators of quality.
2. 1921-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar
The 1921-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar is one of the rarest coins in the series, with a mere 548,000 coins minted at the San Francisco Mint. This year marked one of the lowest production runs for this coin, adding to its desirability among collectors.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Extremely low mintage numbers.
- Few coins survived in mint-state condition.
Record Sale:
In 2016, a high-grade 1921-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar was auctioned for an impressive $188,000.
Collector’s Tip: Coins with clear and well-defined features will always command higher prices.
3. 1921-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar
The 1921-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar, produced at the Denver Mint, shares a similar fate to its San Francisco counterpart. Despite its historical significance, many of these coins were heavily circulated, making mint-condition examples incredibly scarce.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Limited minting numbers.
- Surviving examples often show significant wear.
Record Sale:
In 2018, an uncirculated 1921-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar sold for $168,000.
Collector’s Tip: Look for coins with minimal wear and a strong strike, especially on Liberty’s gown and the eagle’s wings.
4. 1917-S Obverse Mintmark Walking Liberty Half Dollar
The 1917-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar is unique because of the mintmark’s placement on the obverse side of the coin. This design choice was only used briefly before the mintmark was moved to the reverse side later that year.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Rare obverse mintmark placement.
- Limited availability in uncirculated condition.
Record Sale:
In 2015, a pristine 1917-S Obverse Mintmark Walking Liberty Half Dollar fetched $152,750 at auction.
Collector’s Tip: Check for the mintmark on the obverse (front) of the coin—it’s a telltale sign of this rare variety.
5. 1944 Walking Liberty Half Dollar
While 1944 Walking Liberty Half Dollars were produced in large numbers, finding one in mint-state condition is surprisingly difficult. Over 28 million coins were struck, but most saw heavy circulation, causing significant wear.
Why It’s Valuable:
- High-grade specimens are extremely rare despite large production numbers.
- Exceptional strike quality is highly valued by collectors.
Record Sale:
In 2010, a top-grade 1944 Walking Liberty Half Dollar was auctioned for $109,250.
Collector’s Tip: Look for sharp, crisp details on Liberty’s gown folds and minimal surface marks.
Quick Tips for Walking Liberty Half Dollar Collectors
- Focus on Early Dates: Coins from the 1910s and early 1920s are typically the rarest and most valuable.
- Search for Minting Errors: Overdates, doubled dies, or unusual mintmarks can add significant value.
- Prioritize Condition: Coins in mint-state or near-perfect condition will always command higher prices.
- Research Provenance: Coins with historical provenance often carry premium value in auctions.
Why Walking Liberty Half Dollars Are Special
The Walking Liberty Half Dollar isn’t just a coin; it’s a piece of American history. Each mint year and location tells a unique story about its era, reflecting economic struggles, wartime production, and the craftsmanship of early 20th-century minting techniques.
Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or a new collector, these rare editions offer an exciting opportunity to own a tangible piece of history while making a valuable investment.
Final Thoughts
The Walking Liberty Half Dollar remains one of the most beautiful and collectible coins in American history. With the right knowledge and a keen eye, collectors can uncover hidden treasures worth significant amounts.
If you found this article helpful, feel free to share it with fellow collectors or leave a comment below about your own Walking Liberty Half Dollar experiences. Happy collecting!
