1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar Value in 2025: The 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar is one of the most iconic and sought-after coins in American numismatics. Introduced in 1916 and designed by Adolph A. Weinman, the Walking Liberty Half Dollar quickly became beloved for its elegant design, which features Lady Liberty striding confidently with the sun rising behind her. This coin holds historical significance, as it was struck during a time of great change for the United States, and it remains one of the most popular coins for collectors today.
While the Walking Liberty Half Dollar was produced for several decades, the 1917 issue stands out due to its rarity, historical context, and the varying types and mintmarks that make it a prized possession. In 2025, the 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar continues to garner attention, with certain variations fetching up to $175,000. In this guide, we’ll explore the value of the 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar, why it’s worth so much, and how to determine if you might have one of these rare coins in your collection.
The History of the 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar
The Walking Liberty Half Dollar was first minted in 1916, replacing the Barber Half Dollar, which had been in circulation since the 1890s. The design of the new coin was met with immediate praise for its artistry. The obverse of the coin features a beautiful depiction of Lady Liberty walking toward the sunrise, symbolizing the hope and progress of the American people. On the reverse, an eagle is shown in flight, with a laurel branch in its talons, signifying strength and resilience.
The 1917 issue was part of the second year of the series, and it marked an important transitional moment in U.S. coinage history. In 1917, two distinct variations of the coin were produced, which significantly affects its value today. These variations, along with the coin’s relatively low mintage and its ongoing popularity among collectors, make the 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar one of the most valuable and desirable coins in the series.
1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar: Key Varieties
When discussing the 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar, there are two primary varieties that collectors should be aware of: the 1917 Type 1 and the 1917 Type 2.
1917 Type 1 (With Inverted Mintmark)
The 1917 Type 1 Walking Liberty Half Dollar was produced with a mintmark in an inverted position. This error occurred when the mintmark was accidentally punched upside down, resulting in a noticeable error on the reverse of the coin. This error was only discovered after a limited number of coins had been struck, making the Type 1 variety highly sought after by collectors.
Coins of the 1917 Type 1 Walking Liberty Half Dollar in high-grade condition can command premiums, with values reaching anywhere from $20,000 to $50,000 depending on the grade. Coins with higher grades, such as MS-65 or MS-66, can easily fetch $100,000 or more in the market.
The 1917 Type 1 is especially valuable in uncirculated condition, and high-end examples can make for incredible investments. These errors are rare, and finding one of these coins in good condition is a significant achievement for any numismatist.
1917 Type 2 (Without Inverted Mintmark)
The 1917 Type 2 Walking Liberty Half Dollar, on the other hand, was minted without the inverted mintmark. This was the more common version of the coin, and it doesn’t feature the minting error seen in the Type 1 variety. While not as rare or valuable as the Type 1, the 1917 Type 2 still carries significant value, particularly in higher grades.
High-quality examples of the 1917 Type 2 Walking Liberty Half Dollar can fetch values ranging from $500 to $5,000, depending on the grade and the condition of the coin. Coins graded MS-65 or higher will see prices closer to the $5,000 mark, while coins with significant wear or damage may only be worth face value or slightly more.
Despite being the more common version, the 1917 Type 2 remains an attractive coin for collectors due to its classic design and historical significance.
Factors Affecting the Value of the 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar
Several factors contribute to the high value of the 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar, and understanding these can help collectors identify what makes certain coins more valuable than others. Here are the key elements that impact the coin’s value:
1. Rarity and Mintage
The 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar has a relatively low mintage, especially when compared to other coins produced during the same era. The Type 1 variety, in particular, is rare due to the mintmark error. With such limited production, collectors often seek out these coins for their scarcity, which significantly drives up their value.
The 1917 Type 1, in particular, is harder to find in higher grades, which makes it even more valuable. Its rarity on the market has made it one of the most sought-after coins among serious collectors.
2. Condition and Grade
As with all coins, the condition and grade of a 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar plays a significant role in determining its value. Coins that are in mint state (MS-60 or higher) are worth far more than coins that have been circulated and show signs of wear and tear. A coin’s grade is typically assigned by a third-party grading service, such as the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC).
Coins in the highest grades, such as MS-65 or MS-66, can fetch tens of thousands of dollars. On the other hand, coins in lower grades, such as VG-8 or F-12, may only be worth a fraction of their high-grade counterparts.
3. Demand from Collectors
The Walking Liberty Half Dollar series has long been popular with coin collectors, and the 1917 issue is no exception. The coin’s beautiful design, its historical significance, and the rarity of the 1917 Type 1 make it a favorite among both casual and serious numismatists. As a result, the demand for these coins remains high, which contributes to their continued value increase over time.
The 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar also has a strong following among investors looking to diversify their portfolios with rare coins that are expected to appreciate in value over time.
4. Historical Significance
The 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar was struck during a pivotal time in American history. The country had just entered World War I, and the coin’s design symbolized the strength and hope of the American people. As such, the 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar carries a great deal of historical significance, which adds to its appeal for collectors and investors alike.
1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar Value in 2025
The value of the 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar is expected to continue rising in 2025, particularly for high-grade and rare varieties. Here are some general price ranges for the 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar:
- 1917 Type 1 (Inverted Mintmark): In excellent or uncirculated condition, the 1917 Type 1 can be worth between $20,000 and $100,000, with some high-grade examples reaching up to $175,000 or more.
- 1917 Type 2 (No Inverted Mintmark): The 1917 Type 2, while not as rare, can still fetch between $500 and $5,000, depending on its grade and condition.
Coins with especially high grades (MS-65 and higher) are particularly valuable and may continue to increase in value as demand for them grows. As more collectors and investors enter the market, the value of these rare coins is expected to rise, making the 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar an excellent option for those looking to invest in American coinage.
How to Identify and Verify Your 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar
If you think you may have found a 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar, it’s important to check the details carefully:
- Mintmark Location: Look for the mintmark on the reverse of the coin, near the bottom left. For the Type 1 variety, the mintmark will appear inverted.
- Condition: Examine the coin for wear, scratches, or other imperfections. Coins in mint state will have sharp, crisp details and a clean surface.
- Professional Grading: For accurate valuation, it’s best to have the coin graded by a reputable third-party service like PCGS or NGC. They will provide a detailed assessment of the coin’s grade and authenticity.
Final Thoughts
The 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar remains one of the most iconic coins in U.S. numismatics. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a first-time investor, the 1917 issue especially the rare Type 1 variety can be a valuable addition to any collection. As we move into 2025, the value of these coins is only expected to increase, particularly for those in exceptional condition or with unique minting errors. If you have a 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar in your collection, it could be worth more than you ever imagined.