1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar

About This Coin

The 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar is a United States half dollar from the Walking Liberty Half Dollars 1916-1947 series — the second year of the series. In 1917, coins were struck at the San Francisco, Philadelphia, and Denver Mints with a combined mintage of 21.5 million. This ranks 19th of 25 years by total mintage, above the series median of 13.3 million. The obverse features Liberty striding confidently toward the sunrise, draped in the American flag, carrying branches of laurel and oak symbolizing civil and military glory and the reverse displays an eagle perched on a mountain crag with wings partially unfurled, a sapling of mountain pine growing beside it. Obverse mintmark location changed from the obverse to the reverse mid-year, creating two varieties at Denver and San Francisco. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 12.5 grams, 30 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Collectors have identified one known die variety for this date (atypical die clash). Produced 4 years before the celebrated 1921 key date. Across its variants, estimated values range from $46 to $2.8K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $153K in MS67 grade at Heritage Auctions. Designed by Adolph Alexander Weinman.