A Walking Liberty Half Dollar contains 0.3575 troy ounces of silver. Minted from 1916 to 1947 in 90% silver, it is one of the most beautiful and widely collected coins in the junk silver market. Its melt value updates in real time based on the current silver spot price — use the calculator below.
Melt value only. Collector premiums and dealer spreads not included. Based on 0.3575 troy oz silver per coin (standard circulated weight).
Coin Specifications
Walking Liberty Half Dollar Value Specs
Composition
90% silver, 10% copper
Gross Weight
12.50g
Silver Content
0.3575 troy oz
Face Value
$0.50
Mint Years
1916-1947
Mint Marks
Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), San Francisco (S)
Diameter
30.6mm
Designer
Adolph A. Weinman
Background
Why Stackers Track This Coin
The Walking Liberty Half Dollar was designed by Adolph A. Weinman and first struck in 1916. It is widely considered one of the most beautiful coins ever produced by the US Mint — Lady Liberty striding toward the sunrise, draped in the American flag. The design was so beloved that it was revived in 1986 for the American Silver Eagle bullion coin. For stackers, the Walking Liberty is a junk silver staple: 90% silver, widely recognized, and available in large quantities from the early 20th century. Its combination of aesthetic appeal and silver content makes it one of the most desirable constitutional silver coins to own and trade.
Compare
Walking Liberty Half Dollar Value vs Similar Coins
All 90% silver half dollars contain 0.3575 oz of silver. The Walking Liberty commands a higher premium than most due to its iconic design and collector demand.
Coin
Composition
Silver (oz)
Melt Value
Notes
Walking Liberty Half Dollar Valuethis coin
90% silver, 10% copper
0.3575 oz
—
—
Franklin Half (1948-1963)
90%
0.3575 oz
—
Same silver content, less numismatic demand
Kennedy Half (1964)
90%
0.3575 oz
—
Same silver content, highest recognition
Kennedy Half (1965-1970)
40%
0.14792 oz
—
Less than half the silver content
Barber Half (1892-1915)
90%
0.3575 oz
—
Same silver content, higher collector premium
Common Questions
Walking Liberty Half Dollar Value FAQ
How much silver is in a Walking Liberty Half Dollar?
A Walking Liberty Half Dollar contains 0.3575 troy ounces of silver. It is struck in 90% silver and 10% copper with a gross weight of 12.50 grams. This is the standard circulated weight used by dealers. All 90% silver half dollars — Walking Liberty, Franklin, and 1964 Kennedy — contain the same 0.3575 oz of silver per coin.
What years were Walking Liberty Half Dollars minted?
Walking Liberty Half Dollars were minted from 1916 through 1947. All dates and mint marks contain 90% silver. The series was replaced by the Franklin Half Dollar in 1948. Any Walking Liberty Half Dollar is 90% silver regardless of date or condition.
Is the Walking Liberty worth more than melt value?
Common date Walking Liberty Halves in average circulated condition typically trade at a small premium over melt — usually 5 to 15% above spot depending on market conditions. Key dates and better grades can carry significant numismatic premiums. For stacking purposes, common dates in circulated condition are priced close to melt.
Why is the Walking Liberty design on the Silver Eagle?
The US Mint revived Adolph Weinman's Walking Liberty design for the American Silver Eagle in 1986 because it is widely considered the most beautiful design in US coin history. The obverse of every Silver Eagle since 1986 uses a modified version of Weinman's original 1916 design.
How much is a Walking Liberty Half Dollar worth today?
The melt value of a Walking Liberty Half Dollar changes with the silver spot price. At $30 silver it is worth approximately $10.73. At $40 silver approximately $14.30. At $80 silver approximately $28.60. Common dates in circulated condition typically sell at a small premium above melt. Use the live calculator above for the current melt value.
If you're tracking multiple coins, MyOunces automatically calculates your total melt value across gold, silver, platinum, and palladium with live spot prices.