The 1918 half dollar shows varying values across different mint facilities, with prices reflecting distinct market patterns.
Philadelphia issues trade at $2,068.00 in Mint State condition, while Denver specimens reach $9,430.00 in top grades. San Francisco examples command the highest prices at $15,021.67 in Mint State.
These price differences reflect the relative scarcity of each mint’s production and highlight how collectors prioritize certain facilities’ output from this World War I era coinage.
Coin Value Contents Table
- 1918 Half Dollar Value By Variety
- 1918 Half Dollar Value Chart
- Top 10 Most Valuable 1918 Half Dollar Worth Money
- History of the 1918 Half Dollar
- Is Your 1918 Half Dollar Rare?
- Key Features of the 1918 Half Dollar
- 1918 Half Dollar Mintage & Survival Data
- 1918 Half Dollar Mintage & Survival Chart
- The Easy Way to Know Your 1918 Half Dollar Value
- 1918 Half Dollar Value Guides
- 1918 No Mint Mark Half Dollar Value
- 1918-D Half Dollar Value
- 1918-S Half Dollar Value
- Rare 1918 Half Dollar Error List
- Where to Sell Your 1918 Half Dollar?
- 1918 Half Dollar Market Trend
- FAQ about the 1918 Half Dollar
1918 Half Dollar Value By Variety
The following chart shows current market values for 1918 Walking Liberty Half Dollars across different mint marks and grade conditions. If you know the grade of your coin, you can find the exact price below in the Value Guides section.
1918 Half Dollar Value Chart
| TYPE | GOOD | FINE | AU | MS | PR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1918 No Mint Mark Half Dollar Value | $36.40 | $138.67 | $410.00 | $1994.00 | — |
| 1918 D Half Dollar Value | $40.00 | $208.33 | $850.00 | $9384.00 | — |
| 1918 S Half Dollar Value | $36.40 | $93.00 | $465.00 | $14940.00 | — |
Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Kennedy Half Dollar Worth Money (1964 – Present)
Top 10 Most Valuable 1918 Half Dollar Worth Money
Most Valuable 1918 Half Dollar Chart
2000 - Present
The auction results for 1918 Walking Liberty Half Dollars demonstrate the significant premiums that condition rarity commands in the numismatic market. The 1918-D leads with $340,750 for an MS66+ specimen, establishing it as one of the most valuable Walking Liberty Half Dollars ever sold.
The dramatic price differences between grade levels reflect the extreme scarcity of high-condition examples—a single grade improvement from MS65 to MS66+ can mean the difference between $48,000 and $340,750 for the Denver issue.
Even the more common Philadelphia mint shows substantial premiums, with MS66+ examples reaching $45,600. The San Francisco issue, despite its higher mintage, commands significant values in top grades due to typical weak strikes making well-preserved examples exceptionally rare.
These results highlight why 1918-dated coins rank among the most sought-after in the series, with collectors willing to pay substantial premiums for the few surviving high-grade specimens.
History of the 1918 Half Dollar
The 1918 Walking Liberty Half Dollar represents a crucial chapter in American coinage history, produced during the final year of World War I when wartime economic demands created enormous need for circulating coinage.
By 1915, Mint Director Robert W. Woolley had initiated the replacement of the outdated Barber coinage designs that had served since 1892. Through a Commission of Fine Arts competition, renowned sculptor Adolph A. Weinman was selected to create new designs for the half dollar.
The Walking Liberty series debuted in 1916, though Weinman’s intricate design presented striking challenges for the mints. In 1918, Chief Engraver George T. Morgan attempted to improve production quality by modifying certain design details, but these efforts proved largely unsuccessful.
Most 1918 half dollars immediately entered heavy commercial use to meet wartime economic pressures, and this intensive circulation meant that few examples survived in pristine condition.
The coin was minted at three facilities: Philadelphia with 6,634,000 pieces (no mint mark), Denver producing 3,853,040 coins (D mint mark), and San Francisco striking 10,282,000 examples (S mint mark).
The significantly lower Denver mintage makes the 1918-D considerably scarcer today, while the Philadelphia and San Francisco issues, despite higher production numbers, remain challenging to find in uncirculated grades due to their extensive wartime circulation.
Also Read: Top 35 Most Valuable Franklin Half Dollar Worth Money (1948 – 1963)
Is Your 1918 Half Dollar Rare?
1918 No Mint Mark Half Dollar
1918-D Half Dollar
1918-S Half Dollar
For collectors seeking to understand the complete rarity landscape of Walking Liberty Half Dollars, our CoinValueChecker App provides detailed rarity analysis for all dates in the series.
Key Features of the 1918 Half Dollar
The 1918 Walking Liberty Half Dollar showcases Adolph Alexander Weinman’s acclaimed design, representing the third year of this iconic series that circulated from 1916 to 1947.
The Obverse of the 1918 Half Dollar
The 1918 Half Dollar obverse shows Lady Liberty walking toward the rising sun. Her right arm extends forward while her left arm carries branches of olive and oak, representing peace and strength. The American flag flows behind her as drapery.
The word “LIBERTY” appears along the upper rim, with “IN GOD WE TRUST” positioned in the right field. The date “1918” is located at the bottom center of the coin.
The Reverse of the 1918 Half Dollar
The reverse features a bald eagle perched on a rocky crag with wings partially spread. A mountain pine branch grows from the rock beneath the eagle.
“UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” curves along the top rim, while “HALF DOLLAR” appears at the bottom. The motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” is positioned to the left of the eagle.
Mint marks appear below the pine branch when present—”D” for Denver or “S” for San Francisco, while Philadelphia coins have no mint mark. Weinman’s initials “AW” are located beneath the eagle’s tail.
Other Features of the 1918 Half Dollar
The 1918 Walking Liberty Half Dollar measures 30.00 mm in diameter, weighs 12.50 grams, and has a thickness of 1.8 mm. The coin contains 90% silver and 10% copper, providing 11.25 grams of silver content.
Also Read: Top 60+ Most Valuable Walking Liberty Half Dollar (1916 -1947)
1918 Half Dollar Mintage & Survival Data
1918 Half Dollar Mintage & Survival Chart
Survival Distribution
| Type | Mintage | Survival | Survival Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| No Mint | 6,634,000 | 300,000 | 4.5222% |
| D | 3,853,040 | 175,000 | 4.5419% |
| S | 10,282,000 | 150,000 | 1.4589% |
The mintage and survival statistics for 1918 Walking Liberty Half Dollars reveal significant patterns that help explain current market values. The San Francisco mint produced the highest quantity at 10,282,000 coins, followed by Philadelphia’s 6,634,000 pieces, while Denver had the lowest output at 3,853,040 coins.
The survival rates present a contrasting picture. Despite having the highest mintage, the 1918-S shows the lowest survival rate at just 1.46%, with only an estimated 150,000 coins remaining today.
The Philadelphia and Denver issues demonstrate similar survival rates of approximately 4.5%, with 300,000 and 175,000 coins respectively surviving from their original mintages.
These survival patterns reflect the heavy wartime circulation that affected all three mint marks, but particularly impacted the San Francisco coins. The dramatic difference between original production numbers and current survival estimates demonstrates why condition rarity plays such a crucial role in 1918 Half Dollar valuations.
Also Read: What Half Dollars Are Worth Money?
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The Easy Way to Know Your 1918 Half Dollar Value
Determining your 1918 half dollar’s worth starts with examining its condition—look for wear on Liberty’s details, the eagle’s feathers, and overall surface quality.
Mint marks (found on the reverse) significantly impact value, as do any striking errors or unusual characteristics. Lighting and luster also matter when evaluating grade. Authentication is crucial for higher-grade specimens.
Get an accurate assessment instantly by using our CoinValueChecker App to check your coin’s grade and current market value.
1918 Half Dollar Value Guides
The 1918 Walking Liberty Half Dollar series comprises three distinct varieties based on their mint of origin:
- 1918 No Mint Mark Half Dollar (Philadelphia Mint)
- 1918-D Half Dollar (Denver Mint)
- 1918-S Half Dollar (San Francisco Mint)
The Philadelphia issue, with no mint mark, had the second-highest production. The Denver variety stands as the key date with the lowest mintage and exceptional rarity in mint state condition. The San Francisco issue, despite having the highest production numbers, suffers from typically weak strikes, making all three varieties significant to collectors.
1918 No Mint Mark Half Dollar Value
The 1918 No Mint Mark Walking Liberty Half Dollar presents an unusual collecting challenge. With a mintage of 6,634,000 pieces from the Philadelphia Mint, it had substantial production numbers, yet heavy wartime circulation has resulted in a survival rate of approximately 4.52%, leaving an estimated 300,000 coins in existence today.
Like most Philadelphia issues, the 1918 is usually well struck, yet mint state examples are very scarce and MS65 or better specimens are rare.
According to auction records, a 1918 Philadelphia issue in MS66+ grade achieved $45,600 in January 2022, demonstrating the premium collectors place on high-grade survivors of this challenging date.
1918 No Mint Mark Half Dollar Price/Grade Chart
Price by 1-70 Grade (Latest Auction Records Included)
The following chart displays historical auction results for 1918 No Mint Mark Half Dollars across different grade levels.
| Date | Platform | Price | Grade |
|---|
Current market activity reflects collector interest in this Philadelphia-minted issue.
Market activity: 1918 No Mint Mark Half Dollar
1918-D Half Dollar Value
The 1918-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar stands as one of the true stoppers in the series, with only 3,853,040 pieces minted at Denver during the final year of World War I. The demands of wartime commerce ensured that most examples entered immediate circulation and remained there until heavily worn or lost.
This extensive use resulted in a survival rate of approximately 4.54%, leaving roughly 175,000 coins in existence today. In the highest grades of MS66 or better, the 1918-D is virtually impossible to locate.
A MS66+ specimen achieved a record-setting $340,750 in April 2021, establishing it as one of the most valuable Walking Liberty Half Dollars ever sold.
1918-D Half Dollar Price/Grade Chart
Price by 1-70 Grade (Latest Auction Records Included)
Detailed auction records for 1918-D Half Dollars can be found in the comprehensive chart below.
| Date | Platform | Price | Grade |
|---|
Collector activity levels for this Denver-minted rarity are tracked in the following market analysis.
Market activity: 1918-D Half Dollar
1918-S Half Dollar Value
The 1918-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar exhibits unusual collecting patterns despite its high mintage. With 10,282,000 pieces produced at San Francisco—the highest mintage among 1918 half dollars.
However, the San Francisco Mint experienced particular difficulty with the Walking Liberty design, and most 1918-S examples show noticeably weak strikes, making well-struck specimens very rare.
This production challenge, combined with heavy wartime circulation, resulted in the 1918-S becoming one of the rarest Walking Liberty Half Dollars in MS65 or better condition.
Heavy commercial use has reduced the survival rate to just 1.46%, leaving approximately 150,000 coins in existence today, with high-grade examples commanding substantial premiums—an MS66 specimen reached $64,000 in 2016.
1918-S Half Dollar Price/Grade Chart
Price by 1-70 Grade (Latest Auction Records Included)
Browse the complete pricing history for 1918-S Half Dollar sales in the chart that follows.
| Date | Platform | Price | Grade |
|---|
Market engagement patterns for the 1918-S demonstrate its appeal among collectors seeking condition rarities.
Market activity: 1918-S Half Dollar
Also Read: Rare Half Dollar Coins to Look For
Rare 1918 Half Dollar Error List
The 1918 Walking Liberty Half Dollar series includes several error types that attract specialized collectors. These minting anomalies resulted from mechanical issues during production and represent unique variations from standard strikes, with values determined by the prominence and preservation of each error.
1. Weak Strikes
Weak strikes represent the most common error type found in 1918 Walking Liberty Half Dollars, particularly affecting San Francisco mint issues. This error occurs when insufficient striking pressure fails to bring up the full design details, resulting in soft or missing elements in high-relief areas.
Liberty’s left hand, the olive branches she carries, and the eagle’s breast feathers are typically the most affected areas, appearing flattened or indistinct. The San Francisco mint experienced particular difficulty with Weinman’s complex high-relief design, making well-struck 1918-S examples exceptionally rare.
Value is significantly influenced by the degree of weakness—coins with only minor softness in secondary design elements retain more value than those with major details completely missing.
2. Off-Center Strikes
Off-center strikes occur when the coin blank is not properly positioned in the press during striking, causing the design to appear shifted from its intended location.
The percentage of off-center displacement directly correlates with value—minor shifts of 5-10% may add modest premiums, while dramatic 25-50% off-center examples command substantially higher prices.
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Complete visibility of the date remains crucial for identification and value retention. The most valuable off-center 1918 half dollars retain full design elements on the struck portion while showing a clear crescent-shaped unstruck area. Collector interest peaks when both obverse and reverse show balanced off-center characteristics.
The direction of the shift also affects desirability, with some orientations being more visually appealing than others, particularly when Liberty’s figure remains largely intact despite the displacement.
3. Clipped Planchets
Clipped planchet errors result from improperly cut coin blanks, creating coins with missing segments along the edge when blanks overlap during the cutting process.
Curved clips, caused by the circular cutting die overlapping another blank position, are generally more valuable than straight clips due to their dramatic visual impact.
The size and location of the clip significantly influence value—larger clips affecting 10-15% of the coin’s surface area command higher premiums than small edge clips. Clips that affect important design elements like Liberty’s figure or the date reduce value substantially.
The most sought-after examples maintain sharp striking quality in the unaffected areas while displaying clean, well-defined clip edges. Multiple clips on a single coin, while rare, can either increase value for their novelty or decrease it if they compromise too much of the design.
Where to Sell Your 1918 Half Dollar?
Understanding your 1918 Half Dollar’s market value is just the beginning. Where should you turn when it’s time to sell these valuable pieces? I’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to the top selling platforms, complete with detailed overviews, key benefits, and potential drawbacks for each option.
Check out now: Best Places To Sell Coins Online (Pros & Cons)
1918 Half Dollar Market Trend
Market Interest Trend Chart - 1918 Half Dollar
*Market Trend Chart showing the number of people paying attention to this coin.
FAQ about the 1918 Half Dollar
1. What makes a 1918 Walking Liberty Half Dollar rare?
Several factors contribute to the 1918 Walking Liberty Half Dollar’s rarity. Heavy wartime circulation during World War I meant most coins remained in use until heavily worn, resulting in very low survival rates—only 1.46% for the 1918-S and around 4.5% for other mint marks.
The 1918-D has the lowest mintage at 3.85 million pieces, making it particularly scarce. Additionally, striking challenges at various mints, especially San Francisco, resulted in weak strikes that make well-struck examples exceptionally rare.
The combination of low mintages, extensive circulation, and production difficulties creates significant condition rarity, with mint state examples being very scarce and MS65+ specimens considered rare across all three mint marks.
2. How much is a 1918 Walking Liberty Half Dollar with D mint mark?
The 1918-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar value varies dramatically by condition. Lower circulated grades may be worth hundreds of dollars, while mint state examples command substantial premiums due to their extreme rarity.
The highest recorded sale was $340,750 for an MS66+ specimen in April 2021. Other high-grade examples include an MS65 that sold for $48,000 and an MS64 for $15,294.
The 1918-D is considered one of the true stoppers in the Walking Liberty series, with only approximately 175,000 coins surviving from the original 3.85 million mintage.
3. How much is a 1918 Walking Liberty Half Dollar worth today?
The value of a 1918 Walking Liberty Half Dollar depends heavily on the mint mark and condition. The Philadelphia issue (no mint mark) reached $45,600 in MS66+ condition, while the 1918-S achieved $64,000 in MS66 grade despite its higher mintage.
The 1918-D commands the highest premiums, with an MS66+ specimen selling for $340,750 in April 2021. Professional grading is essential for accurate valuation, as the dramatic price differences between grade levels reflect the extreme scarcity of high-condition examples.
