5 Rare Walking Liberty Half Dollars That Could Be Worth a Fortune

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The Walking Liberty Half Dollar, one of the most beautiful coins in U.S. history, holds significant value among collectors. Minted between 1916 and 1947, this iconic 50-cent piece witnessed pivotal moments like the World Wars and the Great Depression. If you own one, it could be more valuable than you think.

Key Highlights

  • Design Excellence: The coin depicts Lady Liberty striding toward a rising sun, wrapped in flowing robes, a symbol of hope and freedom.
  • Rarity in Perfection: Due to its intricate design, minting high-quality coins was challenging, making pristine examples exceptionally rare.

Most Valuable Walking Liberty Half Dollars

While every Walking Liberty half dollar is worth more than face value due to its 90% silver content, some coins are particularly valuable. Here are five high-value examples:

1. 1919-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar

  • Rarity: The Denver Mint produced only 1.1 million coins in 1919.
  • Value: Coins in Gem condition (high grade) are extremely scarce due to circulation wear.
  • Record Sale: One sold for $270,250 in 2004.
  • Tip: Look for sharp details, especially in Lady Liberty’s robe and the eagle’s feathers.

2. 1921-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar

  • Rarity: Only 548,000 coins were minted at the San Francisco Mint in 1921.
  • Historical Context: During this era, 50 cents was a significant sum, and few could afford to save coins.
  • Record Sale: A mint-state example fetched $188,000 in 2016.

3. 1921-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar

  • Rarity: The Denver Mint issued this coin, and most were heavily circulated.
  • Quality Matters: Finding one with a strong strike and minimal wear is challenging.
  • Record Sale: Sold for $168,000 in 2018.

4. 1917-S Obverse Mintmark Walking Liberty Half Dollar

  • Unique Feature: In 1917, some coins featured the mintmark on the obverse (heads) before the mint moved it to the reverse.
  • Rarity: These coins are hard to find, especially in uncirculated condition.
  • Record Sale: One sold for $152,750 in 2015.

5. 1944 Walking Liberty Half Dollar

  • Rarity in Quality: Despite over 28 million coins minted, high-grade examples with sharp details are rare.
  • Record Sale: A high-grade coin sold for $109,250 in 2010.
  • Pro Tip: Look for strong details in Lady Liberty’s gown folds and minimal circulation wear.

Quick Collecting Tips

  1. Focus on Early Years: Coins from the 1910s and early 1920s tend to hold the most value.
  2. Spot Minting Errors: Overdates (e.g., 1942/1943) or repunched mintmarks (D over S) can significantly increase a coin’s worth.
  3. Seek Quality Strikes: Because this coin was difficult to mint perfectly, well-struck examples with crisp details are prized.
  4. Evaluate Condition: Uncirculated coins or those with minimal wear fetch higher prices.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a curious beginner, the Walking Liberty Half Dollar offers incredible historical and monetary value. Look for early dates, minting errors, and coins in top-notch condition to add a valuable gem to your collection.

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