Walking Liberty Half Dollar
Estimated value
$10 - $15Rarity
Common(2/10)Category
Rare Coins & CurrencyBrand
United States MintEra
1916-1947Origin
United StatesArtist / Creator
Adolph A. WeinmanAuthenticity
WALKING LIBERTY HALF DOLLAR: IDENTIFICATION
United States half dollar coin featuring Adolph A. Weinman's full-length figure of Liberty walking toward the dawn on the obverse and a heraldic eagle on the reverse. The specimen displays significant circulation wear, with most high-point details flattened, including Liberty's gown folds and the eagle's breast feathers.
CROSS-CULTURAL PARALLELS
Where This Object Echoes
The Walking Liberty design was so revered it was resurrected in 1986 for the American Silver Eagle bullion program.
Ritual & Ceremonial Use
- •Commonly collected as 'junk silver' for its 90% bullion content during periods of economic volatility.
Meaning Through Time
A high-purchasing-power unit of daily commerce.
A numismatic collectible or a hedge against inflation due to silver content.
NUMISMATIC HISTORY
Designed by Adolph A. Weinman, this series was minted from 1916 to 1947. It replaced the Barber design and is widely considered by numismatists at the American Numismatic Association as one of the most beautiful U.S. circulation coins. During its production years, it served as a primary currency unit during both World Wars and the Great Depression.
NUMISMATIC NOTES
The 1916 and early 1917 issues featured the mint mark on the obverse, but it was moved to the reverse in mid-1917 due to production aesthetics.
SCARCITY
Older mass-produced items still widely available. Easy to find on eBay, antique malls, and estate sales in large quantities.
Typical Characteristics
- Mass produced historically
- High survival rate
- Readily available everywhere
Confidence Factors
NUMISMATIST'S ASSESSMENT
Numismatist
The design is unmistakable, though the specific year and mint are obscured by wear, limiting a precise market valuation.
UNCERTAINTIES
- •Date is severely obscured, making it impossible to identify potential key dates (e.g., 1921)
WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY
- →Check for a mint mark on the reverse at the 8 o'clock position (D or S)
- →Verify weight to 0.01g to confirm 90% silver composition
CONDITION & GRADE
Grading breakdown
The rims are worn but mostly intact; however, the lack of detail in Liberty's hand and the eagle's leg feathers prevents a higher technical grade.
Condition
Heavy wear on Liberty's head and the eagle's wings suggests a low circulation grade. The date on the obverse is nearly worn smooth, making specific year identification difficult from these images.
Surface
The planchet shows heavy circulation wear with a dull, grey patina and significant smoothing of the raised relief. Cabinet friction and handling marks are visible across both faces, with a dark ring of oxidation near the reverse rim.
NUMISMATIC VALUATION
Updated: Sep 3, 2026
- Market comparables from auctions & retail
- Condition, completeness & craftsmanship
- Current collector demand & trends
- Low = quick sale, high = patient seller
For informational purposes only, not a formal appraisal.
YOUR INPUT VS. SCAN
How your provided context compares with Curiosa.com scanner findings.
What Aligned
- User stated 'Original/Authentic' - visual strike characteristics and wear patterns align with genuine U.S. Mint production.
What Conflicted
- User stated 'Minor wear' - numismatic analysis indicates 'heavy wear' (G-4 to VG-8 grade) as most central design details are flattened.
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