1918 Walking Liberty Half Dollar: History, Design, and Collector Value

The Story Behind the 1918 Half Dollar

Face Value	50 cents (0.50 US dollars)
Years of Minting	1916–1947
Weight	12.50 grams
Diameter	30.63 mm (1.2059 inches)
Thickness	1.8 mm
Edge	Reeded
Composition	90% Silver, 10% Copper
Silver Content	0.36169 troy ounces

It was part of a lot of work to update the design. It began in the mid-1910s and ended in 1947. The end of its graduation also coincides with the 1947 Nickel coin.

After decades of using this design the Treasury Department revived the national coinage. They wanted the design to be more modern, artistic, and symbolic of American ideals.

The obverse features a full-length Lady Liberty coin. She walks towards the rising sun. It is also draped with an American flag. It flutters behind her. She holds laurel and oak branches in her hands. These are all themes of civil and military glory.

“In 1918 Morgan, who had succeeded Barber as Engraver after the latter's death the previous year, modified the design, incising some of the details at Liberty's neck. According to Breen "The attempt was a failure".”
– unnamed, Walking Liberty half dollar page
Wikipedia website

There is an eagle on the reverse. He sits on a high mountain cliff. His wings are almost folded and ready to fly. It symbolizes strength and vigilance.

The mint mark is located in the lower left corner. Just above the top of the mountain cliff. However, in the case of the Philadelphia Mint, there is no mint mark.

Mint Marks

Philadelphia	6,634,000
Denver	3,853,040
San Francisco	10,282,000

As a rule, Philadelphia has the largest circulation, but this year San Francisco has distinguished itself. Denver remains with the average 1918 walking liberty half dollar value.

But even no matter how large or small the print runs, the safety of these copies also plays a role here. It often happens that even among the million copies, only a few are in good condition and expensive.

1918 Half Dollar Value and Market Factors

In general, current prices are worth watching all the time. Keep an eye on them, because they change quite often. This is influenced by the general economic situation and the interest of collectors.

Grade	1918 (P)	1918-D	1918-S
4	$40	$40	$40
30	$155	$225	$100
40	$225	$400	$175
60	$1,000	$2,000	$900
63	$1,350 / $1,850	$3,750 / $4,250	$1,750 / $2,150
64	$2,350 / $3,250	$5,000 / $6,000	$3,500 / $6,000
65	$5,000 / $5,750	$37,500 / $50,000	$17,500 / $27,500
66	$18,000 / $60,000	$120,000 / $375,000	$72,500 / $85,000
67	—	—	$110,000

When you look at the prices on the market, you need to understand many aspects. From the condition of your 1918 liberty half dollar to the size of its mint and its features.

For example, you can use Coin ID Scanner. This application will help you quickly assess not only the 1918-S walking liberty half dollar value , but also what kind of copy it is in general. There is also an AI assistant and a summary of information on each valuable specimen.

Preservation and Display of the 1918 Walking Liberty Half Dollar

First of all, do not touch the coin with your hands. Or just gently hold the edges with your thumb and forefinger. Sebum and other dirt can get from our skin onto the coin, which can hardly be removed later.

Always wear special gloves when working with the specimen. Inspect the coin on a soft surface. Coins are easily scratched or may accidentally fall.

The place where you store the coin is also important. It should be hidden from prying eyes. Something where not much light penetrates. The temperature should also be stable and cool.

Use only inert and safe materials for storage. For example, mylar pads or Air-Tite holders. These are solid plastic capsules. They protect the coin from air access.

Or there are also professional slabs from NGS grading service or PSGS. They seal the coins in plastic holders. These packages provide the best long-term protection and authentication.

Conclusion

Well, now you can independently understand and evaluate such an interesting coin. It is really worth the attention of every numismatist. It is filled with history, silver and big meanings.

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Professional numismatist and data expert applying predictive analytics to coin markets. Developed AI models for Coin ID Scanner, boosting reliability in coin identification and global collector engagement.