Numismatic

1917-S Obverse Walking Liberty Half Dollar Good

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The 1917-S Walking Liberty half dollar represents an early entry in one of America's most celebrated silver coin series. Struck with a composition of 90 percent silver, this fifty-cent piece contains 0.3575 troy ounces of precious metal. This particular issue is notable for its San Francisco mint mark, which is positioned on the obverse side of the coin, a placement unique to the early years of this design. Created by the sculptor Adolph Weinman, the coin's imagery is rich and dynamic. The obverse presents a powerful depiction of Lady Liberty draped in the American flag, striding toward a rising sun while cradling a bundle of oak and pine branches. The inscriptions "IN GOD WE TRUST" and the year "1917" accompany this iconic figure. On the reverse, a majestic eagle stands perched on a rocky mountain crag, its wings partially spread as if preparing for flight. A pine sapling grows from the rock, symbolizing strength and renewal. The reverse is also inscribed with "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "E PLURIBUS UNUM," and the denomination "HALF DOLLAR."