Walking Liberty Halves (1916–1947)
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.
NNP Encyclopedia data is provided in cooperation with Whitman Brands, based on catalog data organized by the Greysheet Identification System (GSID).