Walking Liberty half dollars, minted from 1916 to 1947, possess a 90% silver composition. This translates to a silver content of 0.36169 troy ounces of pure silver in each coin. A small amount of copper makes up the remaining 10% of the coin’s weight.
This high silver content contributes significantly to the coin’s intrinsic value, often exceeding its face value. The Walking Liberty design, considered one of the most beautiful in American coinage, combined with the inherent value of its silver composition, makes these coins highly sought after by collectors and investors. Understanding the silver content is crucial for accurate valuation and provides insight into the historical context of monetary policy during the coin’s circulation.