Whitman Expo
Walking Liberty Half Dollar 1916-1947 50 Cents MS Values
Details
Walking Liberty half dollars are widely considered one of the most beautiful silver coins the United States has ever struck. The Walking Liberty half dollar was designed by Adolph A. Weinman and was issued from 1916 through 1947 and became one of the most popular coins of all time.
Walking Liberty half dollars are mostly common coins that are made from a composition consisting of 90% silver and 10% copper. Therefore, low-grade Walking Liberty half dollars are commonly traded as junk silver coins among investors and collectors at spot or at very small premiums just above melt.
While most Walking Liberty half dollars are highly common and affordable, especially in the lower circulated grades, there are several scarce dates that command significant premiums. These include all 1916 Walking Liberty half dollars (from the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mints), 1917-D and 1917-S obverse mintmark half dollars, 1919-D, all 1921 halves (Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco), and 1938-D Walking Liberty half dollar. Also scarce are all Walking Liberty half dollars minted before 1934 in grades of XF40 or better. All pre-1934 Walking half dollars grading in MS65 or higher are rare.
Obverse: Liberty portrayed standing on a rock, facing left, with flowing robes and her right hand outstretched with a star-covered drapery flowing behind her. I bright sun, with extended rays is rising from the horizon on the lower left. The word LIBERTY frames the periphery and date appears at the bottom center. and the motto IN GOD WE TRUST is in the right field.
Reverse: A large eagle perched on a rock, facing left with wings elevated in a defensive posture. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and HALF DOLLAR appear on the periphery. The motto E PLURIBUS UNUM sits atop a small olive branch left of the eagle.
Basic Information
GSID:
72414
Coin Date:
Walking Liberty Half Dollar
Denomination:
50c / 50 Cents
Designation:
MS
Varieties and Classification
Variety:
1916-1947
Physical Characteristics
Fineness:
0.9
Weight:
12.5 gr
Weight:
0.475 oz
Precious Metal Weight:
0.3617 oz
Strike Type:
Business
Diameter:
30.6 mm
Coin Shape:
Round
