Identification

1923-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar

Photo reference

3 uploaded photos

Overview

Visual evidence definitively confirms the date '1923' on the obverse and the 'S' mint mark on the reverse, locking the identification to a 1923-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar.

Story

Designed by Adolph A. Weinman, the Walking Liberty Half Dollar is widely considered one of the most beautiful US coin designs. The 1923-S is historically notable because no half dollars were struck at the Philadelphia or Denver mints that year due to a…

Maker / Origin

United States Mint (San Francisco)

Condition & Value

The obverse confirms the 1923 date, and the reverse confirms the 'S' mint mark. However, the absence of a full reverse photograph prevents a complete grading assessment. The valuation currently assumes a standard circulated state (Very Good to Fine) pending confirmation of wear on the eagle's breast, feathers, and upper fields.

Full Research

See what it's actually worth.

Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Market Analysis

The 1923-S is a known 'condition rarity' in the Walking Liberty series. Lower circulated grades (Good to Fine) are relatively accessible and trade frequently among casual collectors on platforms like eBay. However, prices become highly volatile and grade-sensitive from Very Fine upward, with AU and Mint State examples commanding massive premiums at major auction houses like Heritage and Stack's Bowers.

Value Drivers

▲ Confirmed 1923 date on the obverse and 'S' mint mark on the reverse establish the baseline identity as a scarce single-mint year.

▲ Intrinsic 90% silver content provides a hard absolute price floor regardless of numismatic wear.

Concerns

▼ Unverified reverse wear — missing photos of the eagle prevent accurate grading, anchoring the current estimate to lower circulated tiers.

▼ Raw, uncertified status — buyers heavily discount unslabbed condition rarities due to cleaning and alteration risks.

Best Venue

Obtain clear, well-lit photographs of the full reverse to properly assess the grade. If the coin appears to have Very Fine or better details (e.g., distinct lines in Liberty's skirt, visible feathers on the eagle), submit to PCGS or NGC for certification before sale to maximize value.

Upside Potential

If full reverse photos reveal strong details consistent with a Very Fine (VF-30) or higher grade, and the coin is authenticated by PCGS or NGC without details-grade designations, the value range shifts dramatically upward into the $700–$2,000+ tier.

Authenticity Risk

medium

As a key condition rarity in higher grades, the 1923-S is a known target for added mint marks or outright counterfeiting. While lower circulated grades face less forgery pressure, the lack of third-party certification (PCGS/NGC) and incomplete photos warrant a medium risk level until fully authenticated.

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Also found — market-range context

Related comps outside the valuation band· 7 comps

Surfaced during research but not used to anchor the valuation — wrong form, species, era, or no published price. Shown so the market range around this item is visible.

Stack's Bowers· 2021-08-12
1923-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar. AU-53 (PCGS).
Link could not be verified.
$1,620
Stack's Bowers· 2025-09-05
1923-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar. AU Details--Cleaned (PCGS).
Link could not be verified.
$1,440
Stack's Bowers· 2025-10-08
1923-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar. EF-45 (PCGS).
Link could not be verified.
$1,200
Stack's Bowers· 2024-05-23
1923-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar. EF-40 (PCGS).
Link could not be verified.
$1,020
Stack's Bowers· 2024-06-05
1923-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar. EF Details--Cleaned (CACG).
Link could not be verified.
$630
Stack's Bowers· 2025-03-05
1923-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar. VF-25 (PCGS). CAC.
Link could not be verified.
$456
Stack's Bowers· 2025-02-27
1923-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar. VF-20 (PCGS).
Link could not be verified.
$240