Rare 1917 Walking Liberty: In 2026, the 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar remains a cornerstone of American numismatics, specifically due to a unique mid-year production change. While most “Walkers” feature the mint mark on the reverse, early 1917 coins carried the mark on the obverse. This “Obverse Mint Mark” variety has become a primary target for elite collectors, with high-grade specimens from the San Francisco Mint reaching record-breaking valuations.
1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar Value Chart (2026)
| Variety & Mint Mark Location | Good (G-4) | Fine (F-12) | Extremely Fine (EF-40) | Mint State (MS-65) |
| 1917 Philadelphia (No Mark) | $20 | $40 | $150 | $5,500+ |
| 1917-D (Obverse Mark) | $50 | $150 | $1,000 | $50,000+ |
| 1917-D (Reverse Mark) | $30 | $75 | $400 | $15,000+ |
| 1917-S (Obverse Mark) | $75 | $275 | $1,500 | $175,000+ |
| 1917-S (Reverse Mark) | $40 | $100 | $600 | $23,500+ |
Why the 1917 Issue is Historically Significant
The year 1917 was the only time in the history of the series where the U.S. Mint placed marks on both the front and back of the coin. Originally, the “D” or “S” appeared on the obverse, tucked under the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST.” However, Mint officials felt the mark looked like a defect in the design, and partway through 1917, they moved it to the lower left of the reverse. Because the obverse marks were produced for a shorter time, they are significantly rarer today.
Analyzing the $175,000 San Francisco Gem
The 1917-S Obverse variety is considered a “key date” in the Walking Liberty series. While you can find circulated versions for under $100, the leap to six figures occurs in the MS-65 to MS-67 range. These coins are notoriously difficult to find with a “strong strike,” as the intricacies of Lady Liberty’s gown and the eagle’s breast feathers often came out blurry from the San Francisco presses. A 1917-S with sharp details and original silver luster is a true museum-quality asset.
Critical Grading Factors for Walkers
Condition is the ultimate driver of value for the 1917 half dollar. Collectors in 2026 use the following visual cues to determine grade:
- Lady Liberty’s Hand: On high-grade coins, the lines on the outstretched hand must be visible.
- The Sun’s Rays: Any wear on the sun rays on the left side of the obverse significantly lowers the grade.
- The Eagle’s Breast: This is the highest point on the reverse and the first place to show flat spots from circulation.
- Luster: To reach the $175,000 tier, the coin must exhibit “cartwheel luster,” a spinning light effect when the coin is tilted under a single light source.
H2 Final Verdict
The 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar is a masterpiece of American art that offers something for every level of collector. While the common Philadelphia issues are accessible, the search for the 1917-S Obverse remains one of the most exciting “hunts” in the hobby. If you discover an early-date Walker with a mint mark on the front, you are holding a rare piece of WWI-era history that continues to see aggressive price growth in the 2026 market.
H2 Disclaimer
The values listed are based on 2026 market trends and auction records for professionally certified coins (PCGS/NGC). Ungraded “raw” coins generally sell for significantly less. This guide is for informational purposes and does not constitute financial investment advice.
