1917-S Reverse Walking Liberty Half Dollar Worth and Guide
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The 1917-S Reverse Walking Liberty Half Dollar is worth anywhere from $25 in heavily worn condition to over $35,000 for high-grade mint state specimens. This specific coin is a favorite among collectors because it represents a unique, short-lived design variation that stands out in the history of American silver coinage.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G4) | $25 – $35 |
| Fine (F12) | $65 – $85 |
| Extremely Fine (XF40) | $350 – $450 |
| Uncirculated (MS63) | $2,500 – $3,500 |
| High Grade (MS66+) | $25,000+ |
Why the 1917-S Reverse Mint Mark Position Matters
If you’ve found a silver half dollar from 1917 with an “S” on the back, you are holding a fascinating piece of history. In early 1917, the United States Mint placed the mint mark on the obverse (the front side) of the Walking Liberty Half Dollar, just below the “In God We Trust” motto. However, midway through the year, they decided it looked cluttered.
Following this realization, the Mint moved the “S” for San Francisco (and the “D” for Denver) to the reverse side, near the bottom left rim. To determine if you have a treasure, you can use the top coin identifier and value app to confirm your coin’s origin and variety.
This transition makes the “1917-S Reverse” a distinct sub-type. While hundreds of thousands were minted, finding them in high-quality condition is extremely difficult today. Most of these coins circulated heavily during the early 20th century, meaning they spent decades in pockets and cash registers before being tucked away.
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Determining the 1917-S Reverse Walking Liberty Value
The value of your 1917-S Walking Liberty is primarily determined by its physical condition, also known as its “grade.” Because these coins are 90% silver, they have a “melt value,” but as a rare date/mint mark combination, their numismatic (collector) value far exceeds the price of the raw metal.
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When using CoinKnow to look up prices, you will notice a massive jump between coins that look “gray and flat” versus those that still show the feathers on the eagle’s breast. Collectors pay a massive premium for detail. For professional investors, the 1917-S Reverse Half Dollar auction records show that even a small increase in grade can add thousands of dollars to the price tag.
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| Grade Detail | Visual Characteristics | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| About Uncirculated (AU) | Slight wear on high points; some luster remains. | $800 – $1,200 |
| Very Fine (VF20) | Moderate wear; Liberty’s gown lines are visible. | $150 – $220 |
| Good (G4) | Heavily worn; rims are flat but distinct. | $25 – $35 |
Locating the Mint Mark: Obverse vs. Reverse
To the untrained eye, two 1917-S coins might look identical, but the placement of that tiny “S” can change the value significantly. The San Francisco mint produced two versions this year. If the “S” is on the front, it is the “Obverse” variety. If it is on the back, it is the “Reverse” variety.
Generally, the Obverse mint mark variety is rarer in lower grades, but the Reverse variety is highly sought after by those completing a “date and mint” set. If you aren’t sure which one you have, the CoinKnow app can help you zoom in on the specific areas of the coin to identify the mark.
Identifying the mark correctly is the first step in understanding the 1917 silver half dollar current market value before you decide to sell or trade your find. Always check the area near the 7 or 8 o’clock position on the reverse side.
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The Rarity of Mint State 1917-S Specimens
Finding a 1917-S Reverse Walking Liberty in “Mint State” (meaning it never went into circulation) is like finding a needle in a haystack. Most families who kept these coins held onto them because they were silver, but they usually were already worn down from use.
In grades like MS65 or MS66, these coins feature a beautiful “cartwheel” luster and sharp strikes. Because the San Francisco mint was known for sometimes producing “soft” strikes in this era, a sharply detailed eagle on the reverse side makes the coin extremely desirable.
| Mint State Grade | Market Rarity | Estimated Price |
|---|---|---|
| MS60 to MS62 | Scarce | $1,800 – $2,300 |
| MS64 | Very Rare | $4,500 – $6,000 |
| MS66 | Ultra Rare | $20,000+ |
Tips for Selling Your 1917-S Silver Half Dollar
If you believe you have a high-value version of this coin, do not attempt to clean it. Cleaning a vintage silver coin with polish or even soap and water can strip away the “patina” and reduce the value by 50% or more. Collectors prefer “original skin,” even if the coin looks dark or toned.
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The best way to handle your coin is by the edges. You might consider getting it “certified” by a service like PCGS or NGC if it appears to be in Extremely Fine or better condition. Having a third-party grade can make the coin much easier to sell for its full market value.
Using CoinKnow is a great way to compare your coin to photos of graded specimens before spending money on professional grading fees. It gives you a realistic expectation of whether your coin is a $30 treasure or a $3,000 windfall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1917-S Reverse Half Dollar?
A: On this specific variety, the “S” mint mark is located on the reverse side (the side with the eagle). You will find it on the lower left-hand side, just above the rim and below the pine branch the eagle is perched on.
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Q: Is the Walking Liberty Half Dollar made of real silver?
A: Yes, all Walking Liberty Half Dollars minted between 1916 and 1947 are made of 90% silver and 10% copper. This gives them an inherent “melt value” regardless of their condition as a collectible.
Q: Which is more valuable: 1917-S Obverse or 1917-S Reverse?
A: Generally, the 1917-S Obverse (mint mark on the front) is considered the “key date” and is more valuable in most grades. However, a high-grade 1917-S Reverse is still a multi-thousand-dollar coin and highly prized by collectors.
Q: Should I get my 1917-S Half Dollar graded?
A: If the coin shows significant detail in Liberty’s hair and the eagle’s feathers, and it has not been cleaned, it is likely worth the cost of grading. If the coin is very smooth and worn, its value is well-established, and grading may not be necessary.
