1916 Walking Liberty Half Dollar

About This Coin

The 1916 Walking Liberty Half Dollar is a United States half dollar from the Walking Liberty Half Dollars 1916-1947 series — the first year of the series. In 1916, coins were struck at the Denver, San Francisco, and Philadelphia Mints with a combined mintage of 2.1 million. This ranks 4th of 25 years by total mintage, below the series median of 13.3 million. The obverse features Liberty striding confidently toward the sunrise, draped in the American flag, carrying branches of laurel and oak symbolizing civil and military glory and the reverse displays an eagle perched on a mountain crag with wings partially unfurled, a sapling of mountain pine growing beside it. The first year of the Walking Liberty Half Dollar, produced only at Philadelphia and San Francisco with limited late-year mintages. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 12.5 grams, 30 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Collectors have identified one known die variety for this date (repunched mint mark). Produced 5 years before the celebrated 1921 key date. Across its variants, estimated values range from $92 to $3.5K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $63K in MS67 grade at Heritage Auctions. Designed by Adolph Alexander Weinman.