Expert: PAPAJACK - 1/17/2008

Question
hello,
i have one of the same questions you have got before about the 1917 half dollar. i have looked all over that coin and only see that same "w" in the bottom right.

i just want some history about this coin. thanks for the help.

Steve


Answer
Hello Steve,    

This is one of the most beautiful coins ever produced. Its image is presently being used on the USA Silver Bullion coin.

The first and only mint in the USA for many years was at Philadelphia. All coins were made there and no mint mark was required. Only after the branch mints opened was there a need for the letter designation for a mint.

This coin was made at three mints in between 1916 and 1947. And in 1917 the mint mark (if any) was moved from the front, as it was in 1916 to the back of the coin and remained there.
Look for a mint mark letter on the front below the R in Trust. Or Look for a mint mark letter on the reverse near the rim below the branch on the left before the word HALF near the rim.  
The letter you see under the tip of the wing feathers is a monogram (AAW with the AA superimposed on the W) for the medalist design artist A. A. Weinman.

If you need more information on the coin feel free to write again and let me know if there is a mint mark on the front or back.

The Coin grading scale runs from 1 to 70.  If it is circulated the coin can not grade higher than 59. They are in demand in high grade by collectors.
To be properly valued it will have to be graded by an experienced person. For the highest value it must have never been cleaned and be free of nicks and dents.
Features (to grade the coin) to look at are the date and head and hand, folds in the dress etc… With this criteria being met it could sell for $600 if made at Denver in mint state grade-61. If you need more grading advice just write me again and include the Mint Mark on the coin if any.

For the circulated values I can only give you a range of prices for a 1917 Half having no mint mark.

Good (Grade 4) = $6 - $8
Very Good (Grade-8) = $8 - $10
Fine (grade-12) = $10 - $12
Very Fine (grade-12) = $25
Extremely Fine (grade-40) = $40
Almost Uncirculated (Grade-50) = $75

The D and S mint coins are worth more. With the Denver mint coin most valuable half for 1918.

These values are estimates depending on condition, type and mint mark yours may be more or less valuable.


Thank You and Good Luck

PapaJack