Walking Liberty Half Melt Value Today
Current melt value: $23.71 per coin
Last updated: 8/11/2026, 4:51:42 AM · Live data
Walking Liberty Half Dollar Melt Value Calculator
Prices last updated: 8/11/2026, 4:51:42 AM
Dealers typically pay 80–95% of melt for common silver coins.
| Walking Liberty Half Dollar Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Years Minted | 1916–1947 |
| Composition | 90% Silver, 10% Copper |
| Fineness | 0.9 |
| Total Weight | 12.50 g |
| ASW (Silver Content) | 11.250 g (0.3617 ozt) |
| Face Value | $0.50 |
| Current Melt Value | $23.71 |
Obverse
Reverse
How to Identify the Silver Version
All Walking Liberty Halves are 90% silver. The edge is reeded. Look for the mintmark on the reverse, below "HALF DOLLAR": "D" for Denver, "S" for San Francisco, no mintmark for Philadelphia. The Walking Liberty design is distinct — Liberty walks toward the left with the sun behind her.
Key Dates — Do Not Sell for Melt
1916, 1916-D, 1916-S, 1921, 1921-D, 1921-S. Early dates with full strikes are especially valuable. Do not sell these dates for melt value without checking their numismatic worth.
About the Walking Liberty Half Dollar
The Walking Liberty Half Dollar was minted from 1916 to 1947, designed by Adolph A. Weinman. It is widely considered the most beautiful silver coin design in US history. The obverse shows Liberty striding toward the sunrise, draped in the American flag, with her hand extended. The reverse features a perched eagle. The design was later revived for the American Silver Eagle bullion coin in 1986.
Each Walking Liberty Half contains 0.3617 troy ounces of pure silver. The total weight is 12.5 grams at 90% silver and 10% copper. The melt value is calculated by multiplying the silver content by the current spot price, shown in the spec table above.
The series was struck at Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. Early dates from 1916 and 1917 are difficult to find in high grades because the design elements were prone to weak strikes — particularly the hand of Liberty and the eagle's feathers. "Full Strike" specimens command strong premiums.
Walking Liberty Halves are popular with both junk silver buyers and numismatic collectors. Common-date circulated examples trade near melt value, while key dates and uncirculated coins carry significant premiums. The 1916, 1916-D, 1916-S, and 1921 issues are the scarcest in circulated grades. The 1942-D and 1943-D are known for doubled die varieties that attract collector interest.
Walking Liberty Half Dollar FAQ
What is the melt value of a Walking Liberty Half Dollar?
The melt value is 0.3617 troy ounces of silver multiplied by the current spot price. Use the calculator on this page for the exact value at today's price.
Are all Walking Liberty Halves 90% silver?
Yes. Every Walking Liberty Half Dollar minted from 1916 to 1947 is 90% silver. The series ended in 1947, before the switch to clad coinage in 1965.
Which Walking Liberty Halves are worth more than melt?
Key dates include 1916, 1916-D, 1916-S, and all 1921 issues. Coins with a "full strike" — sharp details on Liberty's hand and the eagle — carry premiums in any grade. Have rare dates appraised.
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