$1 FV 90% Silver Walking Liberty Half Dollar

As the United States walked into the dawn of the twentieth century, sweeping cultural and political changes demanded new symbols to inspire a nation recovering from the turmoil of war and economic uncertainty. In 1916, amidst calls for artistic renewal, the U.S. Mint commissioned a new half dollar that would transcend mere commerce. The result was a coin that has become one of the most beloved icons of American numismatics—a work that captures not just a monetary value, but the very soul of a country seeking hope and progress.

At the heart of this transformation stood Adolph A. Weinman, a sculptor whose vision for the Walking Liberty Half Dollar married supreme artistry with national ideals. Weinman’s work won out in a fierce competition, forever enshrining an image of Liberty striding bravely toward the rising sun. This motif—depicting renewal and forward movement—reflected America’s spirit during the turbulent years of the First World War, the boom and bust of the Roaring Twenties, and the resilience through the Great Depression and Second World War.

The Walking Liberty Half Dollar quickly became more than a circulating coin. Its design resonated so deeply that decades later, the obverse would be revived for the bullion-class American Silver Eagle, a testament to its enduring appeal and historical gravitas. It was the coin of a generation: plucked from pockets during breadlines, exchanged in the jubilation of postwar prosperity, and cherished as a small, gleaming reminder of American ideals.

Every circulated example tells its own story. Each coin that passed from hand to hand bore witness to the everyday dramas of shopkeepers, soldiers, and savers. The olive branch clutching Liberty’s arm signified a heartfelt yearning for peace, while the American flag draped proudly at her shoulders anchored her boldly in the story of a maturing republic.

Collectors and numismatists understand that beyond its silver content, the Walking Liberty Half Dollar is a tangible link to the country’s cultural and financial history. It remains an emblem not just of monetary exchange, but of art, perseverance, and the age-old American pursuit of liberty and light.

Design Features

The obverse of the coin is dominated by Weinman’s stately figure of Lady Liberty. Swathed in the folds of the American flag, she strides confidently toward the left, extending her right hand in a gesture of welcome and optimism. In her left arm, she cradles branches of laurel and oak—symbols of both civil glory and military strength—while the rising sun on the horizon radiates hope for a new day. The word “LIBERTY” arcs above, and the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” is inscribed beside her, anchoring the design in tradition and faith.

The reverse features a strong, vigilant American bald eagle perched atop a mountain pine sapling—its wings uplifted in partial flight, as if ready to soar. The eagle, rendered in sharp detail with impeccable naturalism, is a symbol of courage and the protection of freedom. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “HALF DOLLAR” border the scene, while “E PLURIBUS UNUM” asserts the unity in diversity that defines the American experience.

Product Highlights

• Metal Type: SILVER – Hedge
• Purity: 0.9
• Weight: 0.715 oz
• Grade: Average Circulated
• Manufacturer: United States Mint
• Mint Mark: Various
• Grading Service: None
• IRA Eligible: No
• Obverse: Lady Liberty, draped in the American flag, striding toward the sun with right hand extended and left arm holding laurel and oak branches.
• Reverse: American bald eagle perched on a rocky outcrop beside a pine sapling, wings partly spread, embodying strength and vigilance.

Investment Appeal

The Walking Liberty Half Dollar stands out not only for its 90% silver content, making it a tangible hedge against economic uncertainty, but also for its historical status and artistic legacy. Recognized worldwide for its striking design and connection to pivotal moments in American history, these coins remain highly liquid and in demand. Their appeal is amplified by the combination of intrinsic metal value and the unique narrative they carry—offering both a prudent addition for investors seeking silver and a cherished collectible for numismatists captivated by artistry and heritage. In every sense, owning a Walking Liberty Half Dollar is both an investment in history and in the enduring value of American ideals.