Price Guide for 1917 Half Dollar Variants
This guide presents price ranges for variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $11.00 – $1,800.00Uncirculated: $3.00 – $39,950.00
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eBayCirculated: $9.99 – $749.95Uncirculated: $19.25 – $3,499.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $18.00 – $250.00Uncirculated: $275.00 – $40,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $17.00 – $5,500.00Uncirculated: $184.00 – $152,750.00
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eBayCirculated: $15.49 – $4,000.00Uncirculated: $35.00 – $9,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $40.00 – $4,750.00Uncirculated: $5,250.00 – $175,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $11.00 – $3,200.00Uncirculated: $10.25 – $71,300.00
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eBayCirculated: $6.50 – $995.00Uncirculated: $565.00 – $12,970.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $25.00 – $1,050.00Uncirculated: $1,275.00 – $67,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $14.00 – $4,500.00Uncirculated: $14.50 – $78,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $12.50 – $984.00Uncirculated: $540.00 – $6,799.95
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $20.00 – $1,075.00Uncirculated: $1,125.00 – $80,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $18.00 – $4,000.00Uncirculated: $21.00 – $43,200.00
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eBayCirculated: $16.00 – $1,599.00Uncirculated: $1,261.00 – $21,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $25.00 – $1,850.00Uncirculated: $2,000.00 – $45,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1917 Half Dollar
The 1917 Half Dollar features the iconic Walking Liberty design by Adolph A. Weinman, which was introduced in 1916. This design is widely considered one of the most beautiful in American coinage history. 1917 was a significant year as it marked the United States’ entry into World War I, adding historical context to coins minted during this period.
| Weight | 12.5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.6 mm |
| Mint Marks | D, S (Denver and San Francisco), No mint mark (Philadelphia) |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Liberty Walking, designed by Adolph A. Weinman |
| Reverse Design | Eagle perched on rock, designed by Adolph A. Weinman |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition plays a crucial role in determining the value of 1917 Half Dollars. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) are significantly more valuable than circulated examples. The presence of full details on Liberty’s hand and the eagle’s feathers is highly desirable. Luster quality is also important, with coins exhibiting strong, original mint luster commanding premium prices.
Mintage: 8,618,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 1,940,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: Obverse mintmark and Reverse mintmark varieties
Market Demand: High, especially for high-grade examples
Mintage: 5,554,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: Obverse mintmark and Reverse mintmark varieties
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintmark location varieties add interest and value to 1917 Half Dollars. Both Denver and San Francisco mints produced coins with the mintmark on the obverse (under the motto) and on the reverse (on the rock). The obverse mintmark varieties are scarcer and generally more valuable. Strike quality varies among different mint locations, with San Francisco often producing sharper strikes. Attractive, natural toning can also enhance a coin’s appeal and value to collectors.
