The Walking Liberty Half Dollar is one of the most beautiful and collectible coins in American history.
Designed by Adolph A. Weinman, it was minted from 1916 to 1947 and remains a favorite among collectors due to its intricate design and historical significance.
While many of these coins are valuable, some stand out because of low mintages, rare errors, or high demand.
If you’re curious about which Walking Liberty Half Dollars are the most valuable, here are the top eight coins that fetch the highest prices in the numismatic market.
1. 1919-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar
This is one of the key dates in the Walking Liberty series due to its low mintage and heavy circulation. Finding one in mint condition is rare, making high-grade examples worth over $150,000 at auction.
2. 1921-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar
The 1921-S has one of the lowest mintages of all Walking Liberty Half Dollars, making it a highly sought-after coin. Well-preserved examples can sell for more than $100,000, as most available coins show heavy wear.
3. 1921-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar
Similar to the 1921-S, the 1921-D is rare due to its low mintage of just 208,000 coins. Even lower-grade versions command high prices, while high-quality specimens can surpass $80,000.
4. 1916-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar
As the first year of issue, the 1916-S is historically important and difficult to find in top condition. Collectors are willing to pay over $75,000 for well-preserved versions of this coin.
5. 1938-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar
With only 491,600 coins minted, the 1938-D is one of the rarest Walking Liberty Half Dollars from the later years of the series. Uncirculated specimens can reach values of $40,000 or more.
6. 1917-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar (Obverse Mint Mark)
The 1917-S comes in two varieties: one with the mint mark on the obverse and another with it on the reverse. The obverse mint mark variety is much rarer, with high-grade examples selling for over $35,000.
7. 1920-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar
Another key date in the series, the 1920-S is tough to find in well-preserved condition. While worn examples are somewhat affordable, mint-state versions have sold for more than $30,000 at auction.
8. 1946 Walking Liberty Half Dollar (Doubled Die Obverse)
The 1946 doubled die obverse variety is a well-known error coin with a noticeable doubling effect on the obverse inscriptions. This makes it especially appealing to collectors. Depending on its condition, this coin can be worth over $20,000.
Table – 8 Most Valuable Walking Liberty Half Dollars
| Coin | Mint | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1919-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar | Denver | Over $150,000 |
| 1921-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar | San Francisco | Over $100,000 |
| 1921-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar | Denver | Over $80,000 |
| 1916-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar | San Francisco | Over $75,000 |
| 1938-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar | Denver | Over $40,000 |
| 1917-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar (Obverse Mint Mark) | San Francisco | Over $35,000 |
| 1920-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar | San Francisco | Over $30,000 |
| 1946 Walking Liberty Half Dollar (Doubled Die Obverse) | Philadelphia | Over $20,000 |
The Walking Liberty Half Dollar series remains one of the most cherished coin collections in American history.
These eight coins are among the rarest and most valuable, attracting collectors worldwide due to low mintages, key date significance, and error varieties. If you’re lucky enough to own one of these coins, you may be holding a valuable piece of history.
For collectors, owning a Walking Liberty Half Dollar is more than just an investment—it’s a connection to the past and a piece of American heritage. Whether you’re searching for rare dates or high-grade specimens, these coins will continue to be treasured for generations.
