Walking Liberty Half Dollar (1916-1947) United States Silver Coin
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint (US Mint), specifically designed by Adolph A. Weinman. Produced at Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mints.
Pattern: Walking Liberty; originally introduced in 1916 to replace the Barber coinage.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint (US Mint), specifically designed by Adolph A. Weinman. Produced at Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mints.
Material
90% Silver, 10% Copper (Coin Silver). Contains approximately 0.36169 troy ounces of pure silver.
Dimensions
Diameter: 30.6 mm; Weight: 12.50 grams (when minted; slightly less due to circulation wear).
Description
The Walking Liberty Half Dollar is widely considered one of the most beautiful silver coins ever struck by the United States. It showcases a majestic Lady Liberty in stride, symbolizing the nation's progress and strength. This particular example shows heavy circulation, likely passing through thousands of hands as a medium of exchange before being retired from commerce.
Key Features
Adolph Weinman's 'AW' monogram (on reverse), high-relief design (later lowered for better striking), Sun rays in the lower left field.
Material & Composition
90% Silver, 10% Copper (Coin Silver). Contains approximately 0.36169 troy ounces of pure silver.
Finish & Decoration
Original luster now matte/satin due to circulation wear. Obverse features Lady Liberty walking toward a rising sun, draped in the American flag, carrying laurel and oak branches. Reverse (not shown) features a perched bald eagle.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Obverse includes LIBERTY around the upper margin, IN GOD WE TRUST in the right field, and the date at the bottom (obscured by wear). Mint marks (D or S) appeared on the obverse below the motto in 1916-17, moving to the reverse thereafter.
Construction Details
Die-struck at a government minting facility using steam or electric-powered toggle presses.
Functional Features
Reeded edge (milled) to prevent 'clipping' or shaving of precious metal; legal tender for 50 cents.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable (coinage).
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial die-striking. Despite being machine-made, the artistic depth of Weinman's initial sculpt is evident even in worn examples.
Authentication Indicators
Weight consistency, reeding pattern on edge, specific wear patterns on the high points of Liberty's stride and breasts, and die-struck detail in the sun rays.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America; Philadelphia (no mark), Denver (D), or San Francisco (S).
Era & Period
Early 20th Century / World War I through World War II era (1916–1947).
Age Estimate
Circa 1916–1947; based on the high level of wear to the date, it is likely a mid-series common date coin (1930s-40s).
Cultural Significance
Represented the 'Golden Age' of American coinage design; used extensively during the Great Depression and WWII for daily transactions.
Condition Notes
About Good (AG) to Good (G). The date is nearly obliterated, Liberty's features are flat, and the rim is beginning to merge with the design. Heavy tarnish and circulation smoothing.
Value Estimate
$10.00 - $14.00 (primarily 'junk silver' melt value plus a small numismatic premium for the type).
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish. Cleaning numismatic silver with abrasives or chemicals removes the 'patina' and significantly lowers collector value. Store in a PVC-free flip or tube.
Similar Pieces
Franklin Half Dollars (1948-1963) and Kennedy Half Dollars (1964); Barber Half Dollars (pre-1916).
Interesting Facts
The design was so popular that it was resurrected in 1986 for the American Silver Eagle bullion coin, which is still produced today.