USA ½ dollar Walking Liberty 1917
USA, Denver
Rarity
Uncommon
Attributes of Coins
| Region | USA |
|---|---|
| Denomination | ½ dollar |
| Krause number | KM# 142 |
| Mintage | 765,400 |
| Metal | Silver 0.900 |
| thickness | 1.8 mm |
| diameter | 30.6 mm |
| weight | 12.5 g |
Obverse:
Liberty
Creators:
Adolph Alexander Weinman (WA)
IN GOD WE TRUST
LIBERTY
Reverse:
Bird
Description:
Eagle
Creators:
Adolph Alexander Weinman (WA)
E PLURIBUS UNUM
HALF DOLLAR
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Introduction of Coins
On February 14, 1917 Mint Director F. J. H. von Engelken instructed the Philadelphia Mint's Engraving Department to relocate the half dollar's mintmark from the obverse to the reverse, noting that "the obverse mintmark had the appearance of a defect in the die and was entirely too prominent." Since von Engelken was a lame duck about to leave office, Philadelphia Mint Superintendent Adam M. Joyce requested written confirmation of that order from the new director, Raymond T. Baker. This was received April 14, and new dies were prepared with the mintmark tucked up against the reverse border. Production of the revised 1917-D half dollars were more than double that of the first emission. Because the novelty of the coin type had already passed, fewer examples were saved of the 1917-D half dollar with its mintmark on the reverse. Though the earlier issue is more scarce in well worn condition, in grades Very Fine and higher it is the reverse mintmark coins that are more elusive. All 1917-D Reverse coins have the new D mintmark punch that is a bit more distinct than the one used for 1916-D half dollars.Read More
