Contents:
- Design and Key Features
- Where is the Mint Mark on a 1917 Half Dollar?
- How Much Is a 1917 Half Dollar Worth?
- 1917 Half Dollar No Mint Mark
- 1917-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar (Obverse Mint Mark)
- 1917-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar (Reverse Mint Mark)
- 1917-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar Obverse Mint Mark
- 1917-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar Reverse Mint Mark
- 1917 Proof Walking Liberty Half Dollar
- 1917 Off-Center Strike Error
- 1917 Wrong Planchet Error
- 1917 Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) Error
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The year 1917 was an important period for the United States as the country entered the First World War. This year, the United States Mint issued a special half-dollar coin, the Walking Freedom, issued in 1917.
The design of this 50C was chosen during a competition aimed at giving a new look to three coins: a dime, a quarter, and a half dollar. Such and similar facts can help you sell your collection at a higher price and generally identify coins correctly in terms of the value of 1917 half dollar and its history.
Design and Key Features
This coin was designed by a sculptor named Adolph A.Weinman. He also designed the Mercury Dime, another popular coin from the same time.
The front shows a full picture of Liberty. She is walking toward the rising sun, with one arm stretched out in front of her. She holds branches of oak and laurel in her left arm.
The word "LIBERTY" is at the top of the coin, and the year "1917" is at the bottom. The phrase "IN GOD WE TRUST" is also visible.
The back shows a strong American bald eagle, standing on a mountain peak, and its wings are open wide, as if it is about to take flight.
Around the eagle are the words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "HALF DOLLAR." The phrase "E PLURIBUS UNUM" is also located on the reverse.
Where is the Mint Mark on a 1917 Half Dollar?
In the early part of 1917, mint marks for Denver (D) and San Francisco (S) were located on the obverse, the front of the coin.
You can find them below the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST."
Later in 1917, the mint moved the mint mark to the reverse, the back of the coin. It is located to the left of the eagle's mountain perch, near the rim of the coin.
The Philadelphia Mint did not use a mint mark, so if your coin has no letter, it was made in Philadelphia.
Calculation of Actual Silver Weight: To find the Walking Liberty half dollar 1917, and, in general, any silver half dollars ASW, you simply multiply the total weight of the coin by its silver composition percentage.
Total Weight×Silver Composition Percentage=Actual Silver Weight
12.5 grams×0.90=11.25 grams
How Much Is a 1917 Half Dollar Worth?
Name | Approximate Value |
1917 (No Mint Mark) | $15 - $3,000 |
1917-D (Obverse Mint Mark) | $25 - $42,000 |
1917-D (Reverse Mint Mark) | $20 - $12,000 |
1917-S (Obverse Mint Mark) | $25 - $20,000 |
1917-S (Reverse Mint Mark) | $20 - $10,000 |
1917 Proof Coin (Silver) | $3,000 - $20,000 |
1917 Off-Center Error | $100 - $500 |
1917 Wrong Planchet Error | $500 - $2,000 |
1917 Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) | $50 - $250 |
The 1917 Walking Liberty half dollar value can change based on market demand, condition, grading, and the specific characteristics of individual tokens.
1917 Half Dollar No Mint Mark
This coin was made in Philadelphia, which is why it has no mint mark.
Mintage: 12,292,000 coins
Weight: 12.5 grams
Diameter: 30.6 millimeters
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Auction Record Note: An uncirculated example of this coin, graded MS-67 by PCGS, was sold on a major auction platform for approximately $3,600 in late 2023.
Approximate Value | |
Good | $15 |
Fine | $19 |
Uncirculated | $70 |
Uncirculated (MS-65) | $250 |
The 1917 silver half dollar value can change based on market demand, condition, grading, and the specific characteristics of individual tokens.
1917-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar (Obverse Mint Mark)
Because fewer of these were made, they are much more valuable, especially in top condition.
Mintage: 765,400 coins
Weight: 12.5 grams
Diameter: 30.6 millimeters
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Auction Record Note: A very high-grade example, graded MS-66 by PCGS, sold on a specialized coin auction website for about $22,800 in early 2024.
Condition | Approximate Value |
Good | $25 |
Fine | $85 |
Uncirculated | $325 |
Uncirculated (MS-65) | $5,500 |
The 1917 D walking liberty half dollar can change based on market demand, condition, grading, and the specific characteristics of individual tokens.
Also read: 1899 Barber Dime Value.
1917-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar (Reverse Mint Mark)
The mint mark is on the back of the coin. More of these were made than the obverse mint mark version, so they are generally less expensive.
Mintage: 1,940,000 coins
Weight: 12.5 grams
Diameter: 30.6 millimeters
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Auction Record Note: A very nice uncirculated coin, graded MS-64 by NGC, was sold on an online auction platform for around $1,200 in mid-2024.
Condition | Approximate Value |
Good | $20 |
Fine | $30 |
Uncirculated | $100 |
Uncirculated (MS-65) | $2,500 |
The 1917 D half dollar value can change based on market demand, condition, grading, and the specific characteristics of individual tokens.
1917-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar Obverse Mint Mark
Mintage: 952,000 coins
Weight: 12.5 grams
Diameter: 30.6 millimeters
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Auction Record Note: A stunning uncirculated coin, graded MS-66 by PCGS, sold at a major coin show auction in the United States for an impressive $40,800 in late 2023.
Condition | Approximate Value |
Good | $25 |
Fine | $140 |
Uncirculated | $1,300 |
Uncirculated (MS-65) | $15,000 |
The 1917 S half dollar value can change based on market demand, condition, grading, and the specific characteristics of individual tokens.
1917-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar Reverse Mint Mark
Mintage: 5,554,000 coins
Weight: 12.5 grams
Diameter: 30.6 millimeters
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Auction Record Note: A certified uncirculated example, graded MS-64 by NGC, sold on an online marketplace for approximately $650 in mid-2024.
Condition | Approximate Value |
Good | $20 |
Fine | $30 |
Uncirculated | $60 |
Uncirculated (MS-65) | $1,000 |
The 1917 S Walking Liberty half dollar value can change based on market demand, condition, grading, and the specific characteristics of individual tokens.
1917 Proof Walking Liberty Half Dollar
Mintage: 600 coins
Weight: 12.5 grams
Diameter: 30.6 millimeters
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Auction Record Note: An exceptional proof coin, graded PR-66 by PCGS, was sold at a large public auction for approximately $25,000 in early 2024.
Condition | Approximate Value |
PR-60 | $3,000 |
PR-64 | $8,000 |
PR-66 | $20,000 |
The 1917 half dollar value today can change based on market demand, condition, grading, and the specific characteristics of individual tokens.
1917 Off-Center Strike Error
Mintage: Unknown
Weight: 12.5 grams
Diameter: 30.6 millimeters
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Auction Record Note: An off-center 1917-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar was sold on an online marketplace for around $110 in late 2023.
Condition | Approximate Value |
Circulated | $100 - $200 |
Uncirculated | $300 - $500 |
The 1917 half dollar coin value can change based on market demand, condition, grading, and the specific characteristics of individual tokens.
1917 Wrong Planchet Error
Mintage: Unknown
Weight: 5.67 grams (quarter)
Diameter: 24.3 millimeters (quarter)
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Auction Record Note: A very rare 1943 Walking Liberty Half Dollar struck on a planchet for a Peruvian Half Sol coin was sold for $82,500.
Condition | Approximate Value |
Circulated | $500 - $1,000 |
Uncirculated | $1,500 - $2,000 |
The half dollar 1917 value can change based on market demand, condition, grading, and the specific characteristics of individual tokens.
Also read: 1995 Quarter Value.
1917 Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) Error
Mintage: Unknown
Weight: 12.5 grams
Diameter: 30.6 millimeters
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Auction Record Note: A certified uncirculated example of a 1917 Doubled Die Obverse was sold on an online auction site for around $150 in mid-2024.
Condition | Approximate Value |
Circulated | $50 - $100 |
Uncirculated | $150 - $250 |
The 1917 Liberty half dollar value can change based on market demand, condition, grading, and the specific characteristics of individual tokens.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between a 1917 Standing Liberty Half Dollar and a Walking Liberty Half Dollar?
The term "1917 Standing Liberty Half Dollar" is often used by mistake. The Standing Liberty design was used for the quarter, not the half dollar. The correct name for the 1917 half dollar is the Walking Liberty Half Dollar.
How much is a 1917 silver half dollar worth today?
The value of a 1917 silver half dollar depends on its condition and its mint mark. For example, a worn coin might be worth around $15, but a very nice, uncirculated coin can be worth thousands of dollars.
Where is the mint mark on a 1917 half dollar?
On some coins, the mint mark (D or S) is on the front, below the words "IN GOD WE TRUST." On others, it is on the back, to the left of the eagle. If there is no mint mark, the coin was made in Philadelphia.
Is a 1917 half dollar coin valuable?
Yes, many 1917 half dollars are valuable, especially those from the Denver and San Francisco Mints with the mint mark on the front.
What is a 1917 half dollar worth with no mint mark?
In used condition, it is usually worth around $15 to $20, but if it is in perfect, uncirculated condition, it can be worth hundreds of dollars.
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