The 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar is a popular coin among collectors. Values range widely based on mint mark, grade, strike, and rarity. This guide explains how to evaluate a 1917 Walking Liberty and what drives prices up to about $175,000 for exceptional specimens.
1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar Value Overview
Three mints produced the 1917 Walking Liberty: Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). Each mint and each surviving condition category affects dollar value significantly.
Most circulated 1917 halves sell for modest sums, while top-graded or rare examples at auction can reach five-figure and even six-figure prices. Understanding why requires looking at key value factors.
Key value factors for the 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar
- Mint mark (none, D, or S)
- Overall condition and numeric grade (PCGS/NGC standards)
- Strike quality and surface preservation
- Rarity of die varieties or errors
- Toning, eye appeal, and provenance
How to Value a 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar
Start with basic identification: locate the mint mark on the reverse near the rim below the eagle. That tells you whether it’s Philadelphia (no mark), Denver (D), or San Francisco (S).
Next, check condition. Use the familiar grading categories: Good (G), Fine (F), Extremely Fine (EF), About Uncirculated (AU), and Mint State (MS). Professional grading (PCGS, NGC) improves buyer confidence and usually increases realized value.
Typical value ranges (general guidance)
- Heavily circulated (G to F): modest premiums, often $10–$100 depending on market silver and demand.
- Lightly circulated (EF to AU): commonly $100–$600 for many 1917 varieties.
- Mint State (MS60–MS64): prices can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars.
- High-end Mint State (MS65+): values rise sharply and rare certified grades can reach tens of thousands.
- Exceptional certified pieces: auction records for the very finest examples have approached $175,000.
These ranges are illustrative. Always consult current auction results and price guides for precise market values.
Authentication and Grading
Before assuming a high value, authenticate and grade the coin. Third-party grading by PCGS or NGC is the industry standard. A certified grade provides an objective baseline for pricing and resale.
Authentication also checks for counterfeits and alterations. High-value coins, especially those that might sell for tens or hundreds of thousands, should be slabbed and documented.
Steps to get your 1917 half graded
- Inspect coin carefully under good light and a loupe; note eye appeal and damage.
- Research recent auction results for similar mint marks and grades.
- Choose a reputable grading service (PCGS, NGC) and follow submission guidelines.
- Consider third-party authentication for an especially rare or valuable specimen.
Varieties, Errors, and Why Some Coins Are Worth More
Die varieties and minting errors increase value if they are documented and scarce. For 1917 halves, look for doubling, repunched mint marks, and strong strikes with full detail on Liberty’s figure and the eagle.
Provenance can also add value. Coins with a clear auction history or well-known previous owners may fetch higher prices.
What buyers pay premiums for
- Top numerical grade in the population for that date/mint mark
- Exceptional original toning and attractive surfaces
- Documented die variety that is scarce
- Strong, full strike showing all design details
Adolph A. Weinman designed the Walking Liberty half. The same obverse design was revived for the American Silver Eagle bullion coin starting in 1986.
Real-World Example: Auction Case Study
Consider a hypothetical but realistic scenario: a collector discovers a 1917-S walking half with superb surfaces and submits it to PCGS. The coin receives an MS66 grade, a relatively rare population for that year and mint.
At a major auction, strong bidder interest pushes the price far above typical listings. The final hammer price reflects grade scarcity, auction visibility, and the coin’s eye appeal. This combination is what lets certain 1917 halves reach five-figure to six-figure sale levels.
Practical Advice for Sellers and Buyers
- Buy slabbed coins from reputable dealers to reduce risk.
- Sellers should get high-value coins certified before auctioning to maximize trust and price.
- Compare recent auction records for the same date, mint mark, and grade.
- Preserve original surfaces: avoid cleaning, which destroys value.
Keeping realistic expectations is important. Most 1917 Walking Liberty halves are affordable for collectors, while a small number of well-preserved, rare-piece examples drive headline prices.
If you have a 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar that looks unusually well preserved, consider consulting a respected grading service and checking recent auction results. That process will give you the best estimate of whether your coin could reach the top of the market or is a common circulating example.