Walking Liberty Half Dollar Values
How Much Walking Liberty Half Dollars are Worth: Walking Liberty Half Dollar Values & Coin Price Chart
Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | U-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 | MS-67 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1800 | P | Plain 4- Stemless Wreath | Red-brown | 200 | 300 | 400 | 500 | 600 | 700 | 800 | 900 | 1000 | 1200 | 1100 |
| Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | MS-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1916 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $70 | $112 | $195 | $267 | $365 | $888 | $1,231.00 | $1,555.00 | $2,720.00 | $6,435.00 |
| 1916 | D | -- | -- | $80 | $122 | $169 | $273 | $378 | $743 | $1,171.00 | $1,715.00 | $2,745.00 | $3,930.00 |
| 1916 | S | -- | -- | $172 | $343 | $567 | $884 | $1,293.00 | $2,960.00 | $4,025.00 | $4,855.00 | $7,895.00 | $39,550.00 |
| 1917 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $33 | $35 | $40 | $55 | $97 | $247 | $436 | $625 | $942 | $3,680.00 |
| 1917 | D | Reverse | -- | $43 | $75 | $155 | $327 | $560 | $1,505.00 | $2,088.00 | $3,643.00 | $10,260.00 | $36,650.00 |
| 1917 | S | Reverse | -- | $30 | $61 | $94 | $237 | $379 | $1,103.00 | $1,845.00 | $2,890.00 | $9,900.00 | $37,375.00 |
| 1918 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $30 | $50 | $90 | $179 | $313 | $844 | $1,225.00 | $2,055.00 | $4,095.00 | $15,930.00 |
| 1918 | D | -- | -- | $32 | $81 | $230 | $330 | $577 | $1,770.00 | $2,869.00 | $4,370.00 | $29,750.00 | $115,000.00 |
| 1918 | S | -- | -- | $30 | $33 | $65 | $154 | $345 | $802 | $1,601.00 | $2,960.00 | $13,865.00 | $67,875.00 |
| 1919 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $60 | $110 | $325 | $678 | $1,225.00 | $2,850.00 | $3,805.00 | $4,855.00 | $8,835.00 | $16,100.00 |
| 1919 | D | -- | -- | $80 | $200 | $430 | $1,045.00 | $2,420.00 | $7,250.00 | $11,425.00 | $55,495.00 | $156,000.00 | $312,500.00 |
| 1919 | S | -- | -- | $45 | $170 | $407 | $1,284.00 | $2,525.00 | $7,300.00 | $9,400.00 | $11,640.00 | $22,625.00 | $43,850.00 |
| 1920 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $38 | $40 | $70 | $131 | $253 | $689 | $1,120.00 | $2,239.00 | $3,250.00 | $10,705.00 |
| 1920 | D | -- | -- | $40 | $107 | $350 | $921 | $1,667.00 | $3,980.00 | $8,145.00 | $9,760.00 | $26,700.00 | $44,000.00 |
| 1920 | S | -- | -- | $40 | $60 | $150 | $337 | $655 | $1,665.00 | $3,485.00 | $5,365.00 | $18,125.00 | $42,150.00 |
| 1921 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $219 | $495 | $915 | $2,905.00 | $4,105.00 | $8,325.00 | $10,290.00 | $11,975.00 | $29,950.00 | $62,500.00 |
| 1921 | D | -- | -- | $436 | $1,259.00 | $1,535.00 | $4,410.00 | $6,668.00 | $10,790.00 | $13,390.00 | $23,250.00 | $45,100.00 | $139,750.00 |
| 1921 | S | -- | -- | $150 | $400 | $879 | $4,135.00 | $10,730.00 | $29,600.00 | $45,375.00 | $55,900.00 | $107,900.00 | $236,500.00 |
| 1923 | S | -- | -- | $52 | $75 | $295 | $1,045.00 | $1,958.00 | $4,440.00 | $6,200.00 | $8,170.00 | $15,940.00 | $32,100.00 |
| 1927 | S | -- | -- | $39 | $38 | $113 | $425 | $838 | $2,075.00 | $3,759.00 | $5,719.00 | $7,888.00 | $28,400.00 |
| 1928 | S | -- | -- | $40 | $33 | $110 | $377 | $1,045.00 | $2,655.00 | $3,775.00 | $4,715.00 | $8,690.00 | $20,750.00 |
| 1929 | D | -- | -- | $35 | $38 | $65 | $122 | $240 | $689 | $1,079.00 | $1,467.00 | $2,995.00 | $4,885.00 |
| 1929 | S | -- | -- | $36 | $45 | $60 | $150 | $400 | $728 | $1,719.00 | $1,665.00 | $2,869.00 | $5,325.00 |
| 1933 | S | -- | -- | $33 | $30 | $53 | $100 | $307 | $885 | $1,809.00 | $2,393.00 | $3,125.00 | $6,450.00 |
| 1934 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $25.40 | $27 | $28.30 | $27 | $40 | $101 | $159 | $198 | $345 | $486 |
| 1934 | D | -- | -- | $25.50 | $27.30 | $29.40 | $52 | $115 | $183 | $336 | $472 | $1,015.00 | $2,410.00 |
| 1934 | S | -- | -- | $32 | $37 | $43 | $50 | $150 | $408 | $888 | $1,148.00 | $2,255.00 | $4,455.00 |
| 1935 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $25.40 | $27 | $28.30 | $30 | $39 | $120 | $97 | $146 | $290 | $531 |
| 1935 | D | -- | -- | $25.40 | $27 | $28.80 | $42 | $83 | $215 | $385 | $531 | $1,154.00 | $2,475.00 |
| 1935 | S | -- | -- | $25.40 | $27 | $28.80 | $66 | $130 | $453 | $677 | $1,232.00 | $1,688.00 | $3,818.00 |
| 1936 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $25.40 | $27 | $28.30 | $30 | $50 | $67 | $112 | $176 | $267 | $464 |
| 1936 | D | -- | -- | $25.50 | $27 | $28.30 | $30 | $70 | $150 | $170 | $260 | $436 | $975 |
| 1936 | S | -- | -- | $25.40 | $27 | $28.80 | $45 | $81 | $213 | $307 | $379 | $754 | $1,530.00 |
| 1937 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $25.40 | $27 | $28 | $25 | $45 | $71 | $122 | $159 | $219 | $435 |
| 1937 | D | -- | -- | $25.50 | $27.30 | $28.80 | $57 | $107 | $241 | $350 | $505 | $664 | $768 |
| 1937 | S | -- | -- | $25.50 | $27.30 | $28.80 | $40 | $73 | $188 | $307 | $390 | $679 | $874 |
| 1938 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $25.40 | $27 | $28.80 | $38 | $44 | $94 | $175 | $203 | $420 | $574 |
| 1938 | D | -- | -- | $65 | $81 | $90 | $170 | $214 | $650 | $883 | $1,379.00 | $1,475.00 | $1,950.00 |
| 1939 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $25.40 | $27 | $28 | $30 | $35 | $68 | $117 | $161 | $204 | $350 |
| 1939 | D | -- | -- | $25.40 | $27 | $28 | $30 | $40 | $140 | $129 | $155 | $224 | $447 |
| 1939 | S | -- | -- | $25.50 | $27.10 | $28.80 | $40 | $80 | $151 | $201 | $260 | $320 | $685 |
| 1940 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $25.20 | $26.70 | $27.70 | $32 | $35 | $55 | $79 | $128 | $170 | $274 |
| 1940 | S | -- | -- | $25.20 | $26.70 | $28.30 | $30 | $39 | $66 | $105 | $190 | $430 | $975 |
| 1941 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $25.20 | $26.70 | $27.70 | $25 | $30 | $60 | $76 | $102 | $127 | $181 |
| 1941 | D | -- | -- | $25.20 | $26.70 | $27.70 | $30 | $33 | $60 | $100 | $102 | $146 | $237 |
| 1941 | S | -- | -- | $25.20 | $26.70 | $27.70 | $30 | $35 | $89 | $129 | $198 | $410 | $818 |
| 1942 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $25.20 | $26.70 | $27.70 | $30 | $33 | $50 | $76 | $102 | $127 | $181 |
| 1942 | D | -- | -- | $25.20 | $26.70 | $27.70 | $30 | $35 | $60 | $79 | $102 | $200 | $249 |
| 1942 | S | -- | -- | $25.20 | $26.70 | $27.70 | $30 | $33 | $70 | $100 | $121 | $267 | $600 |
| 1943 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $25.20 | $26.70 | $27.70 | $30 | $35 | $45 | $76 | $102 | $127 | $181 |
| 1943 | D | -- | -- | $25.20 | $26.70 | $27.70 | $27 | $35 | $59 | $83 | $105 | $168 | $203 |
| 1943 | S | -- | -- | $25.20 | $26.70 | $27.70 | $25 | $40 | $60 | $88 | $120 | $190 | $455 |
| 1944 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $25.20 | $26.70 | $27.70 | $25 | $33 | $53 | $76 | $102 | $127 | $197 |
| 1944 | D | -- | -- | $25.20 | $26.70 | $27.70 | $30 | $35 | $68 | $79 | $110 | $132 | $200 |
| 1944 | S | -- | -- | $25.20 | $26.70 | $27.70 | $30 | $40 | $70 | $88 | $120 | $260 | $545 |
| 1945 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $25.20 | $26.70 | $27.70 | $30 | $35 | $53 | $65 | $100 | $127 | $189 |
| 1945 | D | -- | -- | $25.20 | $26.70 | $27.70 | $30 | $33 | $54 | $76 | $102 | $127 | $181 |
| 1945 | S | -- | -- | $25.20 | $26.70 | $27.70 | $30 | $38 | $59 | $79 | $110 | $127 | $274 |
| 1946 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $25.20 | $26.70 | $27.70 | $30 | $35 | $53 | $76 | $100 | $175 | $200 |
| 1946 | D | -- | -- | $25.20 | $27.30 | $29.10 | $33 | $45 | $57 | $78 | $100 | $130 | $195 |
| 1946 | S | -- | -- | $25.20 | $26.70 | $28.30 | $27 | $40 | $63 | $79 | $106 | $132 | $281 |
| 1947 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $25.50 | $27 | $28.30 | $35 | $40 | $59 | $82 | $120 | $130 | $218 |
| 1947 | D | -- | -- | $25.50 | $27 | $28.30 | $35 | $50 | $59 | $84 | $103 | $170 | $759 |
History of the Walking Liberty Half Dollar
Struck from 1916 to 1947, the Walking Liberty Half Dollar is widely regarded as a classic of U.S. coin design. Designed by Adolph A. Weinman, this coin replaced the Barber Half Dollar as part of the 1916 coinage redesign that sought to revitalize American currency with more artistic and patriotic motifs. The resulting design featuring Liberty striding toward the rising sun.
On the obverse, Liberty walks toward the rising sun, draped in the flag and holding laurel and oak branches. The reverse shows an eagle on a rocky ledge with wings partly spread and a pine at its side.
This half dollar remained in production for over three decades, spanning two World Wars and the Great Depression, and its 90% silver composition contributed to bullion value alongside collector interest. Even after its replacement by the Franklin Half Dollar in 1948, the obverse motif was later adapted for the American Silver Eagle program beginning in 1986.
Rarest Coins in the Series
While the Walking Liberty Half Dollar was minted in large numbers overall, certain issues stand out for their rarity and desirability:
- 1916-S (San Francisco Mint): The first year of issue, featuring lower mintage and noted strike variability. Higher-grade examples see stronger demand.
- 1921-D and 1921-S: High-grade examples of either can realize five- or six-figure auction prices.
- 1938-D: A low-mintage Denver issue (491,600) with premiums increasing in higher grades.
- 1942 Proof and 1946 Proof Issues: Proof Walkers were struck from 1936 through 1942 in low mintages; none were made after 1942.
Additionally, several notable error coins, such as doubled-die obverses, repunched mintmarks, and off-center strikes, add intrigue and significant premiums for advanced collectors.
Types of Collections
Collectors pursue the Walking Liberty Half Dollar in several ways depending on their interests and budget:
- Date and Mintmark Sets: Many collectors strive to assemble a complete 65-coin set, covering all dates and mintmarks from 1916 through 1947.
- Type Sets: Others collect one example from each major U.S. coin design. The Walking Liberty Half Dollar is a mainstay of 20th-century type sets due to its design and historical role.
- Condition-Focused Collections: Specialists often seek high-grade uncirculated coins or those graded MS-65 and above, where sharp strike details and luster significantly influence pricing.
- Proof and Short Sets: For those seeking a more attainable goal, the 1941–1947 “Short Set” of later issues provides a focused yet beautiful subset of the series.
Regardless of collecting style, every approach offers a window into early 20th-century craftsmanship and history, making this series one of the most versatile in American numismatics.
Beginner vs. Advanced Collecting
Beginner Collecting
For beginner collectors, Walking Liberty Half Dollars are among the most accessible classic U.S. silver coins. Circulated examples are widely available at reasonable prices, allowing new numismatists to start their collections at approachable prices. These coins offer historic designs and 90% silver content.
Advanced Collecting
Advanced collectors, however, often chase rare varieties, high Mint State examples, or proof strikes with exceptional eye appeal. Coins graded MS-67 or higher are rare and can realize strong prices, particularly for early dates. Collectors prize sharply struck examples, especially strong detail on Liberty’s hand and gown folds, but there is no special “FS” designation for this series.
Whether novice or expert, collectors value the coin’s balance between beauty, scarcity, and affordability. Even modest-grade examples connect enthusiasts to a transformative era in U.S. history.
Investment Potential
The Walking Liberty Half Dollar value has long remained strong due to a combination of factors: historical significance, artistic prestige, and intrinsic silver content. Its 90% silver composition ensures that even circulated coins retain a base metal value, while numismatic demand elevates premiums for higher grades and rarer dates.
Key investment considerations include:
- Historical legacy: Weinman’s design and its use on Silver Eagles sustain broad interest.
- Silver market influence: 90% silver content contributes a bullion component to pricing.
- Market liquidity: The series is widely collected, supporting active secondary markets.
In higher grades or complete sets, pricing reflects rarity, condition, and overall market demand.