1917 Half Dollar Value (Rare Errors, “D”, “S” & No Mint Marks)

For many numismatic enthusiasts, the United States Walking Liberty half-dollar stands as a paragon of American minting artistry. This iconic coin was struck between 1916 and 1947, with the unique attribute of being the final U.S. coin to feature a fictional character in its obverse design.

Subsequent designs of American coinage transitioned to portray genuine historical figures – an evolution encouraged by President Theodore Roosevelt’s initiatives to modernize the country’s currency. A prime example from this series, the 1917 half-dollar, has been seen to command substantial value. Even the pieces in less desirable conditions fetch a good price, largely attributable to their silver content.

Below, we present a comparative assessment of the 1917 Walking Liberty half-dollar’s worth. Please note that these values are provided by USA Coin Book and are subject to fluctuation.

Value Analysis of the 1917 Walking Liberty Half-Dollar

The values clearly illustrate that factors such as mint marks and the coin’s condition significantly impact its worth. The ‘D’ and ‘S’ mint marks, for example, denote coins minted in Denver and San Francisco, respectively. Intriguingly, whether the mint mark is placed on the obverse or the reverse also seems to affect the coin’s value.

Undeniably, the Walking Liberty half-dollar remains a symbol of the golden age of American coinage, treasured not only for its artistic merit but also its tangible value in the world of collectors.

Read More: 26 Most Valuable Half Dollar Coins In Circulation

Unveiling the Story Behind the 1917 Walking Liberty Half-Dollar

Regarded as the pinnacle of aesthetic excellence in the realm of American numismatics, the half-dollars featuring the Walking Liberty design hold a special place in the heart of coin collectors. A masterpiece birthed from the genius of Adolph A. Weinman, the design symbolized a new era of coinage in the 20th century.

The United States Mint undertook the production of these coveted tokens of history from 1916 until 1947. The decision to discontinue came from President Roosevelt, who aimed to bring a contemporary flair to the national coinage. Comprising 90% silver and a hint of copper, their value in the collectors’ market is immeasurable. As such, spotting one in modern circulation is an occurrence akin to witnessing a comet—it’s almost a myth.

Detailing the 1917 Walking Liberty Half-Dollar

Given their rarity, locating these coins in the market today is a formidable challenge. Whether claimed by time, transformed in the melting pot, or safely housed in private collections, they remain elusive. However, the indomitable charm of Weinman’s design echoes through the years, finding its revival in the silver American Eagle dollar, introduced by the US Mint in 1986.

Intricacies of the 1917 Version of the Walking Liberty Half-dollar

The second iteration of the Walking Liberty half-dollar series materialized in 1917, characterized by two distinct types distinguished by the position of the mint mark.

Exploring the Front Design of the 1917 Walking Liberty Half-dollar

The artistic representation on the front of the Walking Liberty half-dollar portrays an embodiment of Liberty herself, drawn in her full stature and inscribed under the caption ‘LIBERTY’. This lady, a symbol of liberty for the new world, extends her right arm, suggesting a broad welcome to the cherished autonomy.

The depiction further includes laurel and oak branches clutched in Liberty’s left hand. These serve as symbolic gestures toward civilian accomplishment and military triumph, respectively. A rising sun casting its light on a proudly fluttering American flag in the backdrop complements the image.

This coin’s distinctive design is further embellished with the time-honored motto ‘IN GOD WE TRUST’, inscribed on the coin along with the year of minting at the bottom. For some half-dollars that originate from the San Francisco and Denver mints, the coin’s mint mark is uniquely placed beneath this slogan.

A Look at the 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar’s Reverse

At the heart of the 1917 Walking Liberty half-dollar, one finds a robust portrayal of a bald eagle, majestically perched atop rugged mountain terrain. To the eagle’s left, a recently blossomed mountain pine springs forth, its roots deeply embedded in the rocky enclave. This intricate tableau is completed by three phrases inscribed all around, meticulously filling the available space, namely:

• The nation’s identification, the “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”
• The national motto, “EPLURIBUSUNUM”
• The coin’s denomination, “HALF*DOLLAR”

When we delve deeper into the specifics of this historic half-dollar, we uncover the following:

Read More: 1925 Stone Mountain Half Dollar Value (Rare Errors)

1917 Walking Liberty half-dollar: A Detailed Examination

Delving into the Details of the Walking Liberty Half-Dollar (1917)

Consider the charm of the Walking Liberty Half-Dollar minted in 1917, a coin of immense historical value. Residing in your palm, it has a weight almost equivalent to two medium-sized strawberries, approximately 12.50 grams. This remarkable weight primarily stems from the 11.25 grams of silver it incorporates, which is approximately the mass of two AA batteries.

Observe its substantial size, which measures a little over an inch, precisely 30.63 millimeters – imagine a sphere just a bit larger than a standard ping pong ball. Lastly, let’s contemplate its thickness. At 1.80 millimeters, it’s just about as thick as the lead in your typical mechanical pencil. This 1917 Walking Liberty half-dollar coin represents a tangible piece of American history with dimensions that blend form and function in perfect harmony.

Evaluating the Worth of Half-Dollar Coins from 1917 Featuring Lady Liberty

An intriguing aspect of the 1917 Lady Liberty half-dollar coin lies in its manifold varieties. Despite being crafted by a trio of mints, there are remarkably five distinct iterations of this fifty-cent piece. Adding to the rarity of these coins, one must note that the production of proof coins — a practice that commenced in 1936 — did not exist during the time these were minted. Consequently, the quest to discover a proof among the considerable quantity of 21.5 million coins produced that year would inevitably be a futile endeavor.

The Value Spectrum of the 1917 Philadelphia ‘No Mint Mark’ Walking Liberty Half-Dollar

The grand city of Philadelphia was responsible for the production of over 12 million Walking Liberty half-dollars in the year of 1917. What sets these apart is the lack of a mint mark, resulting in a singular design exclusive to this particular mint and year.

If you’ve happened upon one of these coins that has traversed the timeline, acquiring its share of wear and tear, the valuation may fall anywhere between $11 and $180. It’s akin to an old, wise traveler sharing tales of its journey, each scuff and scratch adding to its allure.

Yet, if fortune smiles upon you and you possess one of these coins in an untouched, pristine state, you’d have a veritable treasure in your hands. Typically, such ‘mint state’ coins trade hands for anywhere from $190 to $1,020. However, should your coin be in truly remarkable condition, its value could climb as high as $2,400 to $3,000.

There exists a rare breed of these coins, boasting an MS 67 grade, a testament to their phenomenal preservation. But brace yourself, as acquiring one of these rarities can put a significant dent in your pocket, with values ranging from $22,000 to $30,000. But bear in mind, the auction floor is always full of unexpected twists and turns, adding an extra element of surprise to the coin collector’s adventure.

An Examination of the 1917 Walking Liberty Half-Dollar Worth

The Walking Liberty half-dollar, minted in 1917, is a fascinating coin with three distinctive variations. Each variation’s value depends on the coin’s condition, as well as the location of the mint mark – whether it has no mint mark, a Denver mint mark on the obverse, or a Denver mint mark on the reverse.

A rundown of the estimated values across various states of preservation is provided:

These figures are provided courtesy of Greysheet, a reliable and respected source of coin prices in the numismatic world.

Collecting coins is much like a treasure hunt, and with a coin as prized as the 1917 Walking Liberty half-dollar, the value discovered is well beyond the intrinsic worth of the metal.

Read More: 1980 Half Dollar Value (Rare Errors, “D”, “S” & “P” Mint Marks)

San Francisco’s 1917 Walking Liberty Half-Dollar: A Testament to Time

In the annals of numismatic history, the year 1917 is remembered as the period when the San Francisco mint crafted two distinct versions of the half-dollar. The distinguishing factor between these two versions was the placement of the mint mark; one saw a production of 952,000 with the ‘S’ imprint on the front, while the other, featuring the mint mark at the back, boasted a significantly higher yield of 5,554,000.

• The Front-Marked 1917 S Half-Dollar

The cost of these two variants varies noticeably, much like the intriguing stories they carry. If you are a keen collector, you might find yourself drawn to the ‘S’ mark on the front version of the 1917 S Walking Liberty half-dollar. The worn, circulated specimens of this variant could set you back between $25 and $4,300, depending on the level of wear and the visibility of intricate design elements.

In the world of coin collectors, it is the untouched, uncirculated coins that truly steal the spotlight. These pristine coins, never having traded hands in commerce, can command prices from $4,000 to $46,000. But if you’re eyeing the crème de la crème – the highest-rated coins in an MS 67 grade, brace yourself. These rare treasures have been known to fetch staggering prices at auctions, ranging from $140,000 to $168,000. The journey of these coins, from the mints of San Francisco to the prized display cases of discerning collectors, is a fascinating tale of value, history, and rarity.

In the realm of numismatics, a realm where the old and the rare become valuable assets, the year 1917 has a special place. A specific variety of the Walking Liberty half-dollar from that year holds a high rank among the pricey coin sets, its value amplified by its mint location and obverse design. A particular 1917 S Walking Liberty half-dollar, graded MS 67, even managed to command an impressive auction price of $152,750 in the summer of 2015, thereby becoming the most expensive coin in its set.

To better understand the fluctuating values of this coin, let’s delve into a comparative analysis of the 1917 S Walking Liberty half-dollar, focusing on the coin’s condition, the obverse and reverse varieties, and their respective market prices.

Comparative Analysis of the 1917 Walking Liberty Half-dollar Values

This comparison, provided by Greysheet, effectively illustrates how the condition and variety of the coin greatly impact its value.

• Reverse-Minted 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar

The 1917 Walking Liberty half dollar, distinguished by its mint stamp on the back, offers an alternative avenue for coin enthusiasts and collectors. Typically, these coins, in a circulated condition, might be purchased between $15 and $780.

For those desiring to acquire a piece in an exceptional state of preservation, the expenditure elevates to a bracket of $800 to $2,760. However, for the crème de la crème of the collection, those in absolute pristine condition, expect a steep price ranging between $9,000 and $54,000.

On a fascinating note, these figures can significantly increase at auction. Illustratively, an ardent collector once parted with a whopping $71,300 for a half dollar rated MS 67 in the chilly month of February 2006. Clearly, the allure of these coins often goes beyond the bounds of typical valuation!

Distinct Editions of the 1917 Walking Liberty Half-dollar

Imagine holding a silver half-dollar from 1917, feeling the weight of history in your palms. This isn’t just any ordinary coin. It’s the coveted Walking Liberty Half-dollar, rich in historical significance and interesting quirks. Notably, this iconic piece displays two distinct styles concerning the placement of the mint mark, a fascinating aspect that intrigues numismatists worldwide.

One can trace the first style back to 1916, which continued into a portion of 1917. This design features the mint mark tucked neatly beneath the affirmation “IN GOD WE TRUST” displayed prominently on the front side, or obverse, of the coin. In essence, it’s as if the symbol of the mint is safeguarding the nation’s motto.

In the second variation, the mint mark made a fascinating journey to the other side of the coin. It nestles comfortably to the left of the term “HALF DOLLAR” on the coin’s reverse. You may think of it as the mint mark taking a quiet stroll across the breadth of this historical piece, settling down to rest on a different vista.

Intriguingly, collectors hold an affection for both variations. They strive to acquire both editions for their collections, creating a holistic narrative of the coin’s unique journey. Each version, in its own way, adds depth and value to the grand narrative of the Walking Liberty Half-dollar.

Read More: 1994 Half Dollar Value (Rare Errors, “D” & No Mint Marks)

Delving into the Mysteries of the 1917 Walking Liberty Half-dollar

What contributes to the scarcity of the 1917 Walking Liberty half-dollar?

Uncommon deviations in coin production often lead to increased rarity and value. The 1917 Walking Liberty half-dollar coins are no different, where uniqueness is determined by the coin’s mint mark positioning. These half-dollars are particularly valued if the mint’s identifying letter, either ‘D’ or ‘S’, is found on the obverse or the ‘heads’ side of the coin. These anomalies are highly sought after by numismatists worldwide.

Which 1917 Walking Liberty half-dollar transactions have made headlines?

A few standout purchases in the world of numismatics include the acquisition of various minted versions of the 1917 Walking Liberty half-dollar. Noteworthy examples are:

• A transaction involving a 1917 S MS 67 obverse Walking Liberty half-dollar reaching a hefty sum of $152,750 (Heritage Auctions, August 2015).
• An event where a 1917 D MS 66 obverse Walking Liberty half-dollar was obtained for $78,000 (Heritage Auctions, January 2018).
• A bid for a 1917 S MS 67 reverse Walking Liberty half-dollar closing at $71,300 (Bowers & Merena, February 2006).
• A 1917 D MS 65+ reverse Walking Liberty half-dollar was won for $43,200 (Heritage Auctions, January 2018).
• A 1917 MS 67 Walking Liberty half-dollar, costing a substantial $39,950 (Heritage Auctions, August 2016).

What’s the estimated value of the 1917 Walking Liberty half-dollar with no mint mark?

While circulated versions of the 1917 Walking Liberty half-dollar devoid of a mint mark vary in worth from $10 to $180, pristine samples command a much higher price. It is not unusual for perfect, well-preserved specimens to fetch anything from $200 to a substantial $3,000, demonstrating the range of value based on their quality and condition.

Which Walking Liberty half-dollar commands the highest price?

The Walking Liberty half-dollars have had an illustrious history in the numismatic world. Some of the most notable and priciest ones include:

• The 1918 D MS 66+ Walking Liberty half-dollar that was auctioned for an impressive $340,750.
• The 1919 D MS 66 Walking Liberty half-dollar which commanded a significant $270,250.
• A 1921 S MS 66 Walking Liberty half-dollar traded hands for $188,000.
• The 1921 D MS 66 Walking Liberty half-dollar fetched $168,000.
• The previously mentioned 1917 S MS 67 Walking Liberty half-dollar for $152,750.
• In addition to these, versions from the later years like 1936, 1937, 1939, and 1942 have also been auctioned for prices ranging from $40,800 to $80,500.