Identification
Photo reference
3 uploaded photos
Overview
Visual evidence confirms the coin is a 1923 Walking Liberty Half Dollar. The obverse clearly displays the 1923 date. The reverse images provide a clear view of the 'S' mint mark located in the lower left quadrant near the rim, confirming it was struck at the San Francisco Mint. This perfectly aligns with the seller's description and standard numismatic references.
Story
Designed by Adolph A. Weinman, the Walking Liberty Half Dollar is widely considered one of the most beautiful coin designs in United States history. The 1923-S issue was struck exclusively at the San Francisco Mint with a relatively low mintage of 2,178,000, making it scarcer than most later dates in the series. The 1923-S is a recognized semi-key date in the Walking Liberty series, as San Francisco was the only mint to strike half dollars that year.
Maker / Origin
United States Mint
Condition & Value
The visible obverse exhibits moderate to heavy wear consistent with the Very Good (VG) to Fine (F) grade bracket. Liberty's gown lines are largely worn smooth, but the date, motto, and major devices remain clearly defined.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
The 1923-S is a recognized semi-key date in the Walking Liberty series, as San Francisco was the only mint to strike half dollars that year. Demand remains consistently strong among series collectors filling albums, particularly in lower circulated grades (Good to Fine) where the coin is highly liquid and affordable. While certified Fine-12 or better examples see sharp premiums, raw VG coins trade in a very tight, predictable band.
▲ Confirmed 1923-S semi-key date status with a clear mint mark
▲ Clear, readable date and obverse devices
▲ Underlying 90% silver composition provides a hard intrinsic value floor
▼ Unverified reverse condition could restrict the overall grade to the VG-8 floor
▼ Unseen scratches, rim dings, or evidence of past cleaning would result in a 'details' grade discount
Best Venue
Given the likely VG to low-Fine grade, third-party certification (PCGS/NGC) is not recommended, as grading fees and shipping would consume the majority of the coin's premium. List the coin raw on a platform like eBay or offer it to a local coin dealer, ensuring you provide clear, well-lit photographs of both the obverse and reverse so buyers can accurately assess the final grade.
Upside Potential
If the reverse reveals unexpectedly strong details (e.g., distinct breast feathers on the eagle) that push the overall grade to a solid Fine-15 or Very Fine (VF), the value could approach the $200-$250 range, at which point PCGS or NGC certification would become financially viable.
Also found — market-range context
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.