Walking Liberty Half Dollar

Country of Origin: United States of America

Year of Issue: 1945

Denomination: 50 Cents (Half Dollar)

Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper

Walking Liberty Half Dollar

Brief Description

US silver half dollar featuring Lady Liberty walking toward a sunrise on the obverse and an eagle perched on a mountain crag on the reverse.

Historical Significance

Designed by Adolph A. Weinman during the 'Renaissance of American Coinage,' this series (1916-1947) is often considered one of the most beautiful circulating US coins. It was minted during the end of World War II.

Estimated Value

$12-$15 in circulated (Very Fine/Extra Fine) condition; $30-$100 or more in high Mint State grades.

Care Instructions

Do not clean or polish the coin, as this significantly reduces numismatic value. Handle by the edges only and store in an acid-free holder or PVC-free flip.

Mint Mark

None visible (Philadelphia Mint produced no mint mark for this year).

Mintage & Rarity

31,502,000 (Common date for the series).

Weight & Diameter

12.50 grams / 30.6 mm

Edge

Reeded

Apparent Grade

Very Fine (VF) to Extremely Fine (EF). High points like Liberty's chest/left leg and the eagle's breast show moderate wear, but major details remain clear.

Obverse (Front)

Liberty draped in an American flag, walking toward the sun, carrying branches of laurel and oak. Legend: 'LIBERTY', 'IN GOD WE TRUST', and date '1945'.

Reverse (Back)

An eagle perched on a mountain crag with a mountain pine sapling growing from a rift in the rock. Legend: 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', 'E PLURIBUS UNUM', 'HALF DOLLAR'.

What Drives This Coin's Value

Condition (state of preservation), luster, and lack of surface scratches are the primary factors for this common late-series date.

Similar Coins

The design was later adapted for the American Silver Eagle bullion coin, which is larger (40.6mm) and contains 1oz of silver.

Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags

Verify weight (12.5g) and diameter (30.6mm). Counterfeits may have 'mushy' details or a greyish, non-silver appearance. Check for the 'ping' test (silver has a distinct high-pitched ring).

Notable Varieties & Errors

Double Die Obverse (DDO) and Double Die Reverse (DDR) varieties exist but are rare for this specific year.

Created At: 2026-05-31T18:06:51.630248