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Essential Key Dates of the Walking Liberty Half Dollar Series
The Walking Liberty Half Dollar series, minted from 1916 to 1947, is cherished for its timeless design and historical value. Crafted by Adolph A. Weinman, these coins portray Lady Liberty walking towards the rising sun on the obverse, while an image of a powerful eagle adorns the reverse. Among the many coins in this series, several key dates stand out due to their rarity and the unique stories they represent. This article delves into these key dates, exploring their historical significance, rarity, and recent auction prices.
1. 1916: The Series Debut
The 1916 Walking Liberty Half Dollar marks the start of this iconic silver series. Minted in Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco, the 1916-S coin is especially coveted because of its lower mintage of 508,000 coins. This coin symbolizes the transition from the Barber Half Dollar to a new, modern design, making it a foundational piece for collectors who appreciate its historical significance as the inaugural issue.
Recent Auction Prices:
- 1916-S: An MS65 graded coin fetched $8,400 at a Heritage Auctions event in January 2023.
2. 1917-D: Mint Mark Variations
The 1917-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar is distinguished by mint mark variations on the obverse and reverse sides. The obverse mint mark version is rarer and more valued among collectors. These variations occurred because the mint mark was relocated from the obverse to the reverse mid-year, making both types essential for a complete collection.
Mintages:
- Obverse mint mark: 765,400 coins
- Reverse mint mark: 1,940,000 coins
1917-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar (obverse mint mark)
Image source: https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts
1917-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar (reverse mint mark)
Image source: https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts
Recent Auction Prices:
- 1917-D Obverse Mint Mark: An MS65 graded coin sold for $5,520 at a Heritage Auction in August 2020.
- 1917-D Reverse Mint Mark: An MS64 graded coin went for $3,840 at a Heritage Auctions event in September 2020.
3. 1921: Scarcity in High Grades
The 1921 Walking Liberty Half Dollar is among the most challenging coins to find in high grades due to its low mintage. The 1921 and 1921-D coins are both considered key dates in the series. The low mintage was due to decreased demand and economic conditions following World War I, making high-grade specimens particularly rare.
Mintages:
1921-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar
Image source: https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts
Recent Auction Prices:
- 1921: An MS64+ graded coin sold for $15,600 at a Heritage Auctions event in January 2022..
- 1921-D: An MS64+ graded coin fetched $27,600 at a Stack’s Bowers auction in June 2021.
4. 1938-D: Highly Sought After Low Mintage
The 1938-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar is another key date highly desired by collectors due to its low mintage. Only 491,600 were minted, making it the lowest mintage of the series since 1921 and reflecting the reduced demand for half dollars during the Great Depression.
Recent Auction Prices:
- 1938-D: At a Heritage Auctions event in September 2020 a MS67+ graded coin sold for $44,400.
Why Professional Grading is Important
Professional grading is essential for rare and valuable key date Walking Liberty Half Dollars. Services such as the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) provide objective assessments of a coin. These services confirm that the coin is genuine and not counterfeit, accurately grade its condition to determine market value, and encapsulate the coin in tamper-evident holders to protect it from environmental damage. Graded coins often fetch higher prices due to the assurance of their verified status and preserved condition. For those navigating the complexities of coin grading and value, consulting a numismatic expert is highly recommended to make informed decisions.
The Legacy of the Walking Liberty Half Dollar Series
The Walking Liberty Half Dollar series holds a distinguished place in American numismatics, with key dates like the 1916-S, 1917-D, 1921, and 1938-D offering collectors a window into the rich history and artistry of early 20th-century coinage. At Bullion Exchanges, we are dedicated to assisting collectors in their journey through the alluring realm of numismatics. Explore our website, contact us, or visit our New York City location to learn more about how these historical pieces can enhance your collection.