Silver Walking Liberty Value Simplified (1916-1946)

The Silver Walking Liberty coin is one of the most iconic and beloved silver bullion coins in American history. Originally minted as the Walking Liberty Half Dollar from 1916 to 1947, its timeless design by Adolph A. Weinman features Lady Liberty striding toward the dawn of a new day, symbolizing hope and freedom.

Today, this classic artwork lives on in the American Silver Eagle, first issued in 1986 by the U.S. Mint and widely recognized for its .999 fine silver content and beautiful craftsmanship. Whether you're a collector, investor, or simply a fan of American coinage, the Silver Walking Liberty coin represents both historical value and enduring elegance.

Silver Walking Liberty Value

The value of a Walking Liberty Half Dollar (minted between 1916 and 1947) depends on factors such as its silver content, year of minting, mint mark, and condition.

Silver Content Value: As of June 9, 2025, the melt value of a standard Walking Liberty Half Dollar (which contains approximately 0.3617 troy ounces of silver) is about $13.18.

What Are Silver Walking Liberty Half Dollars?

Silver Walking Liberty Half Dollars are iconic coins that hold a special place in the hearts of coin collectors and investors alike. First minted in 1916, these coins are known for their beautiful intricate design, high silver content and historical significance.

The front of the Silver Walking Liberty Half Dollar features Lady Liberty, gracefully walking towards the rising sun with an American flag draped over her shoulders. The words "In God We Trust" are inscribed next to her, while the year of minting is marked at the bottom. The reverse side showcases a magnificent eagle perched on a branch, with its wings spread wide.

The coin was created to celebrate the nation's commitment to freedom and liberty and came right after the famous Mercury Dime was adopted. The Walking Liberty design was the brainchild of Adolph A. Weinman, a renowned sculptor who also designed the Mercury Dime.

Silver Walking Liberty Half Dollars contain 90% silver and 10% copper, making them a favorite among collectors and investors looking to add precious metals to their portfolios. The coins were minted until 1947 and have become increasingly popular over time, with many collectors cherishing them for their beauty, history, and rarity.

How to Check if Your Silver Walking Liberty Coins Are Rare

If you're lucky enough to own a Silver Walking Liberty Half Dollar or two, you may be wondering how to estimate its rarity and rough value. While there are many factors that can impact the value of these coins, some are more important than others.

• Condition: One of the first things you should do is give the coin a good look-over. The condition of the coin is a major factor in determining its value. Check for any signs of wear, such as scratches, dings or discoloration. Make sure to note if the luster from the original minting process is still intact. Coins in the best condition can be 10 or 100 times more valuable than those that show signs of heavy use.
• Date: The date of the coin is another major factor in the value of these coins. Silver Walking Liberty Half Dollars were minted from 1916 to 1947, so older coins are generally rarer and valuable than newer ones, especially if they are in great condition. Additionally, certain years may be more valuable than others due to low mintage numbers or other factors.
• Mint Marks: Mint marks can also impact the value of your Silver Walking Liberty Half Dollar. They indicate which U.S. mint produced the coin and can help determine its rarity. Look for the mint mark on the back of the coin just above the branch on which the eagle is perched. Mint marks include "D" for Denver, "S" for San Francisco, and "P" for Philadelphia.
• Mint Errors: Finally, check for mint errors. They occur when something goes wrong during the minting process, resulting in a coin that is different from others of its kind. Mint errors can greatly increase the value of a coin, so be on the lookout for anything unusual.

What Are Silver Walking Liberty Half Dollars Usually Worth?

The value of Silver Walking Liberty Half Dollars can vary greatly depending on their rarity, condition and other factors. Modern, common coins in good condition (with no special mint errors or similar confounding factors) can typically be worth between $10 to $50, mostly for their silver content, while rarer coins can command much higher prices up to tens of thousands of dollars.

For example, a 1916 Silver Walking Liberty Half Dollar in great condition can be worth thousands of dollars due to its extreme rarity, age, and historical significance. These coins are pretty rare, but they don't compare with a certified mint condition (meaning it looks perfect in every way) 1919-D Silver Walking Liberty Half Dollar. These are so rare that they can sell for $50,000 to $180,500.

Silver Walking Liberty coins in the best condition from 1916 to around 1933 are usually the rarest and most valuable. This doesn't mean if yours came after 1933 that it's worthless by any means. They can still be worth hundreds of dollars or much more in the best condition. A coin's date is also not the only factor that can make it rare. Mint errors, such as double strikes or off-center strikes, can fetch even higher prices than the oldest coins.

Coins with certain mint marks can also be more valuable. For instance, the 1916-S Silver Walking Liberty Half Dollar, produced at the San Francisco Mint, is a particularly rare and sought-after coin that can be worth tens of thousands of dollars in mint condition. Even coins from more recent years can be valuable if they are in exceptional condition or have other unique features. For example, a 1942-S Silver Walking Liberty Half Dollar graded MS-67 by a professional grading service can be worth several hundred dollars due to its high grade and low population.

How to Buy and Sell Walking Liberty Half Dollars and Other Coins

There are a few different ways to buy Silver Walking Liberty Half Dollars and other coins. One of the best ways is to go through a reputable coin and precious metals dealer. Some of these dealers won't buy all (or any) of your coins or bullion if you didn't buy it from them first (and some don't guarantee any buybacks).

The platforms mentioned below are all great precious metals dealers that support direct delivery and IRA purchases.

Are Silver Walking Liberty Half Dollars Worth Selling?

The answer to this question should depend on a few things, like how rare or valuable the coin is, how much you value it personally as a collectible, and if it's worth going through the process to sell. Make sure you have a good idea of how rare your coin is before you sell it. Some Silver Walking Liberty coins won't be worth much more than their weight in silver, but some can sell for thousands of dollars.

Frequently Asked Questions