1917-S Reverse Walking Liberty Half Dollar Worth and Guide

The 1917-S Reverse Walking Liberty Half Dollar is worth anywhere from $15 in heavily worn condition to over $25,000 in high-grade mint state. This iconic silver coin is a favorite among collectors because of its unique mint mark placement and its historical significance during the First World War.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Market Value
Good (G-4)	$15 – $22
Fine (F-12)	$45 – $60
Extremely Fine (XF-40)	$250 – $350
Uncirculated (MS-63)	$2,400 – $3,500
Gem Mint (MS-65+)	$12,000+

Why the 1917-S Reverse Mint Mark Position Matters

The 1917-S Reverse Walking Liberty Half Dollar is a fascinating piece of American numismatic history. In the early part of 1917, the San Francisco Mint (and the Denver Mint) placed the small “S” mint mark on the obverse, or the front of the coin, just below the “In God We Trust” motto. However, midway through the year, the Mint decided that this placement looked cluttered and moved the mint mark to the reverse side, near the rim at the 8 o’clock position.

Because this change happened mid-year, we now have two distinct varieties for the 1917-S half dollar. If you have found an old half dollar in a drawer or a collection, using a top coin identifier app can help you instantly determine which variety you are holding. The “S Reverse” version is generally more common than the “S Obverse” version, but it still commands a high premium in better conditions.

Understanding the subtle differences in these coins is easier with the CoinKnow app, which provides high-resolution images to compare against your own finds. While millions were minted, many were used heavily in commerce, making coins with high detail quite rare today. If yours shows “S” on the back, you have the “Reverse” variety, which remains a cornerstone of the Walking Liberty series.

Grading Your 1917-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar

The value of your 1917 silver half dollar is almost entirely dependent on its grade. Professional collectors use a 1-70 scale to determine condition. For the average person, we break this down into “Good,” “Fine,” “About Uncirculated,” and “Mint State.” A coin in “Good” condition will be very flat, with Lady Liberty appearing as a silhouette. A “Mint State” coin will look like it just came from the bank yesterday, with a frosty luster.

For a detailed breakdown of how condition impacts price, you can view the 1917-S Walking Liberty MS prices. Even a small amount of wear on Liberty’s breast or the eagle’s wing can drop the value by hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Most found coins will fall into the “Good” to “Fine” range, but even these are worth significantly more than their $0.50 face value or silver melt value.

Grade Designation	Visual Characteristics
G-4 (Good)	Heavily worn; rim is flat; outlines are visible but no detail.
VF-20 (Very Fine)	Minor details on the eagle’s wings and Liberty’s gown are visible.
AU-50 (About Uncirculated)	Traces of wear only on high points; most original luster remains.
MS-63 (Mint State)	No wear; attractive luster; may have small contact marks.

Historical Significance and Silver Content

Minted during World War I, the 1917 Walking Liberty half dollar was designed by Adolph A. Weinman. Many consider this the most beautiful coin design in U.S. history. Because these coins are 90% silver, they always have a “floor” value based on the current price of silver bullion. However, because the 1917-S Reverse is a semi-key date, its collector value usually far exceeds the raw silver price.

When you use CoinKnow to scan your coin, the app takes into account the current silver spot price as well as historical auction data to give you a real-time estimate. This is particularly helpful because the market for early 1900s silver has been quite volatile recently. People are looking for tangible assets, and a 1917-S half dollar fits that bill perfectly.

Collectors often look for “full thumb” or “full feathers” on the eagle, which are the first details to wear away. Finding a coin with these features intact is like finding a needle in a haystack for a casual hunter. If you think your coin has high detail, it is worth consulting a professional grader or checking the detailed 1917 half dollar value charts to see if it qualifies for a premium.

Identifying Mint Mark Locations

The biggest point of confusion for new hobbyists is the location of the “S” on the 1917 half dollar. If you look at the bottom left area of the back of the coin (the reverse), you might see a small “S” near the rim. This indicates it was struck in San Francisco. If there is no letter at all, it was minted in Philadelphia. If there is a “D,” it was minted in Denver.

If your “S” is on the front of the coin below the motto, that is the “Obverse” variety, which is significantly more valuable than the “Reverse” variety in almost every grade. The “Reverse” variety was the standard for the remainder of the series until 1947. Even so, the 1917-S Reverse is a prize for any collector building a complete set.

Mint Mark Location	Common Name	Relative Rarity
Front (Obverse)	1917-S Obverse	Rare
Back (Reverse)	1917-S Reverse	Less Common
No Mark	1917 Philadelphia	Common

Key Factors Influencing Market Price

Price isn’t just about the grade; it’s also about eye appeal and the current market demand. A 1917-S Reverse that has “toning”—a natural oxidation that creates colors like blue, purple, or gold—can actually sell for more than a shiny white coin. However, “cleaning” a coin is the fastest way to destroy its value. Never use polish or soap on an old coin; collectors prefer original surfaces, even if they are dirty.

Tools like CoinKnow can help you identify if a coin has been cleaned or damaged, which can reduce the value by 50% or more. The “Reverse” variety is particularly sought after in MS-65 condition because many examples were struck poorly, leaving the details soft. A crisp, well-struck example is a trophy for serious investors.

If you are looking to sell, it is best to check recent auction results rather than just looking at “asking prices” on eBay. Realized prices give you the truth about what people are actually paying. The 1917-S Reverse has seen a steady increase in value over the last decade as more Americans enter the hobby of coin collecting.

Final Thoughts on the 1917-S Reverse Half Dollar

Whether you have a single coin passed down through the family or you found one at an estate sale, the 1917-S Reverse Walking Liberty Half Dollar is a classic piece of Americana. Its 90% silver content provides a solid base value, while its history as a “transitional” mint mark placement makes it a fascinating study for those interested in the U.S. Treasury’s past decisions.

Always remember to handle your coins by the edges to avoid leaving fingerprints. If you have a version that looks like it has never been spent, it is highly recommended to have it authenticated by a service like PCGS or NGC. A high-grade 1917-S Reverse is a significant financial asset that could be worth as much as a new car!

FAQ

Q: Where exactly is the mint mark on the 1917-S Reverse?

A: You can find the “S” on the back of the coin, located on the lower left side, tucked between the rock Lady Liberty’s feet would be on the front and the outer rim. It is quite small, so you might need a magnifying glass.

Q: Is the 1917-S Reverse rarer than the 1917-S Obverse?

A: No, the 1917-S Obverse (mint mark on the front) is generally rarer and more expensive in almost all grades. The Reverse variety was produced in larger quantities once the Mint decided to standardize the mint mark location.

Q: How much silver is in a 1917 half dollar?

A: All Walking Liberty Half Dollars minted from 1916 to 1947 contain 90% silver and 10% copper. This equates to approximately 0.36169 ounces of pure silver per coin.

Q: Should I clean my 1917-S half dollar to make it worth more?

A: Absolutely not! Cleaning a coin with chemicals or abrasives leaves microscopic scratches that professional graders can easily detect. A cleaned coin is often worth only a fraction of its original “uncleaned” price.