The Top 8 Most Valuable Walking Liberty Half Dollars: The Walking Liberty Half Dollar, designed by Adolph A. Weinman, is one of the most celebrated and aesthetically stunning coins in American history. Minted from 1916 to 1947, this half dollar is a favorite among collectors due to its intricate design and historical significance. While many Walking Liberty Half Dollars hold value, some are particularly rare and highly sought after. Below, we explore the top eight most valuable Walking Liberty Half Dollars and why they command high prices in the numismatic market.
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Table of Contents
- 1 1919-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar
- 2 1921-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar
- 3 1921-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar
- 4 1916-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar
- 5 1938-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar
- 6 1917-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar
- 7 1920-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar
- 8 1946 Walking Liberty Half Dollar
- 9 Table – Top 8 Most Valuable Walking Liberty Half Dollars
- 10 Conclusion
1919-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar
One of the key dates in the Walking Liberty series, the 1919-D is highly valued due to its low mintage and difficulty in finding well-preserved specimens. Many of these coins were heavily circulated, making uncirculated examples extremely rare. A high-grade 1919-D can fetch upwards of $150,000 at auction.
1921-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar
The 1921-S is another rare date in the series, with one of the lowest mintages of any Walking Liberty Half Dollar. Finding one in high-grade condition is a challenge, and collectors are willing to pay substantial amounts for well-preserved pieces. A top-grade specimen can reach values exceeding $100,000.
1921-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar
Similar to its San Francisco counterpart, the 1921-D is a key date coin with a low mintage. The Denver Mint produced only 208,000 of these coins, making it a rarity. Prices for high-grade examples can surpass $80,000, with even lower-grade pieces commanding significant premiums.
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1916-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar
As the first year of issue, the 1916-S holds historical significance, and its relatively low mintage adds to its desirability. Finding one in top condition is incredibly rare, making this coin one of the most valuable in the series, often selling for over $75,000 in high grades.
1938-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar
The 1938-D is notable for its exceptionally low mintage of just 491,600 coins. This makes it one of the rarest issues in the latter part of the series. Collectors seek out this coin in uncirculated condition, where values can reach $40,000 or more.
1917-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar
The 1917-S features two varieties, one with the mint mark on the obverse and another with it on the reverse. The obverse mint mark variety is the rarer of the two, making it a coveted collector’s item. High-grade specimens can sell for upwards of $35,000.
1920-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar
The 1920-S is another key date that is difficult to find in well-preserved condition. While lower-grade examples are accessible to many collectors, mint-state versions are incredibly rare and valuable, with some fetching over $30,000 at auction.
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1946 Walking Liberty Half Dollar
While not a key date in terms of mintage, the 1946 doubled die obverse variety is a highly sought-after error coin. Due to the doubling effect on the obverse inscriptions, this coin has gained significant interest among collectors. Depending on the condition, it can be valued at over $20,000.
Table – Top 8 Most Valuable Walking Liberty Half Dollars
| Coin | Mint | Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1919-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar | Denver | Over $150,000 |
| 1921-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar | San Francisco | Over $100,000 |
| 1921-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar | Denver | Over $80,000 |
| 1916-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar | San Francisco | Over $75,000 |
| 1938-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar | Denver | Over $40,000 |
| 1917-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar (Obverse Mint Mark) | San Francisco | Over $35,000 |
| 1920-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar | San Francisco | Over $30,000 |
| 1946 Walking Liberty Half Dollar (Doubled Die Obverse) | Philadelphia | Over $20,000 |
Conclusion
Walking Liberty Half Dollars remain one of the most beloved U.S. coin series, with collectors eagerly seeking out the rarest and most valuable specimens. Whether due to low mintages, key date significance, or unique error varieties, these eight coins stand out as the most valuable in the series. For collectors, owning one of these coins represents not just an investment, but a piece of American history.
