Walking Liberty Half Dollar

United States of America · 1945

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.

Country: United States of America
Year: 1945
Denomination: 50 Cents (Half Dollar)
Metal: 90% Silver, 10% Copper

This report is AI-generated and can be wrong. Always verify grade, authenticity, and value with a qualified dealer or certified grading service before buying, selling, or insuring.

Identified May 31, 2026More united states of america coins →

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Overview

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.

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'.

Estimated value

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

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.

Grade assessment

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.

Mintage & rarity

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

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.

Similar coins

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

Care & preservation

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.