5 Valuable Walking Liberty Half Dollars to Check For

Walking Liberty Half Dollars are some of the most iconic and sought-after coins in the world of numismatics. These coins, first minted in 1916 and continuing until 1947, feature a beautiful design by artist Adolph A. Weinman. On the front, Lady Liberty is shown walking confidently into the future, draped in the American flag, while the reverse features a majestic eagle. Over the years, some Walking Liberty Half Dollars have become incredibly valuable due to their rarity, historical significance, and minting errors.

1. 1916 Walking Liberty Half Dollar

The 1916 Walking Liberty Half Dollar is one of the most famous coins in American history. It is the first year of issue for this design, and due to the limited number of coins minted, it has become highly desirable to collectors. Many of the 1916 coins were worn down over time or melted down due to their silver content, making high-grade examples extremely rare and valuable.

2. 1916-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar

The 1916-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar is a key date in the series. The “D” mintmark indicates that the coin was minted in Denver, and fewer of these coins were struck compared to others in the series. This scarcity, combined with the coin’s historical importance as one of the earliest in the set, makes it highly collectible.

3. 1938 Walking Liberty Half Dollar

The 1938 Walking Liberty Half Dollar is unique because it was the last year that the coin was produced in large quantities, making it one of the last of the classic Walking Liberty series. As a result, it is still somewhat affordable for collectors but is highly valued for its relative rarity in high-grade condition.

4. 1943 Walking Liberty Half Dollar (High-Grade Examples)

The 1943 Walking Liberty Half Dollar is notable for being produced during World War II, and it is one of the most commonly found coins in the Walking Liberty series. However, some high-grade 1943 coins with minimal wear are still quite valuable. This coin is particularly sought after in MS-65 or higher grades, where it can command premium prices.

5. 1945-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar (In High Grades)

The 1945-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar, minted in San Francisco, is another coin that can be valuable if found in high grades. While not as rare as some of the other key dates, the 1945-S is still highly regarded, especially in mint state condition. The coin features crisp details of Lady Liberty and a bold eagle on the reverse, making it an attractive piece for collectors.

How to Identify Valuable Walking Liberty Half Dollars

When looking for valuable Walking Liberty Half Dollars, it’s important to understand how to identify key features and assess their condition. Here are a few tips:

1. Mintmarks: Always check for mintmarks. Coins with a “D” (Denver) or “S” (San Francisco) mintmark are usually more valuable than those minted in Philadelphia, especially for certain years like 1916-D or 1945-S.
2. Condition: Coins in high grades are more valuable. A coin’s condition is graded on a scale from 1 to 70, with higher numbers indicating better condition. Look for coins with minimal wear, clear details, and no heavy scratches.
3. Rarity: Some years, like the 1916 and 1916-D, are far rarer than others, and as a result, they can command much higher prices in the market.

Conclusion

Walking Liberty Half Dollars are not only beautiful works of art, but they can also be incredibly valuable. Whether you’re a seasoned coin collector or a newcomer to the hobby, knowing which Walking Liberty Half Dollars are worth more than others can help you make informed decisions when buying or selling these stunning coins.

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