$1 FV 90% Silver Walking Liberty Half Dollars – XF

In the tumultuous years of the early 20th century, as America stood on the brink of global conflict, a new symbol of hope and freedom emerged from the United States Mint. The Walking Liberty Half Dollar, first struck in 1916, became an instant classic, capturing the spirit of a nation poised for greatness. Designed by the renowned sculptor Adolph A. Weinman, this coin would go on to become one of the most beloved and iconic pieces in American numismatic history.

Weinman's design was born out of a desire to refresh American coinage, moving away from the staid designs of the past towards something more dynamic and representative of the nation's ideals. The Walking Liberty Half Dollar was part of a broader initiative that also saw the introduction of the Mercury Dime and the Standing Liberty Quarter, ushering in a new era of artistic expression in American currency.

The obverse of the coin features Lady Liberty striding confidently towards the rising sun, her figure draped in the American flag, arm outstretched in a gesture of hope and freedom. This powerful image resonated deeply with the American public, especially as the nation faced the challenges of World War I and later, the Great Depression. Liberty's forward motion symbolized progress and optimism, while the olive branches she carries represented peace – a poignant message in times of global conflict.

On the reverse, an eagle perches on a mountain crag, its wings unfolded as if ready to take flight. This majestic bird, a longstanding symbol of American strength and independence, is accompanied by a small sapling growing from the rock – a subtle yet powerful representation of a young nation's potential for growth and resilience.

The Walking Liberty Half Dollar remained in circulation until 1947, spanning some of the most transformative decades in American history. It witnessed the Roaring Twenties, endured the hardships of the Great Depression, and saw America through World War II. Throughout these years, it served not just as currency, but as a tangible reminder of the enduring American spirit.

Today, these coins, particularly those in excellent condition, are highly sought after by collectors and investors alike. They represent more than just their silver content; they are pieces of American history, art, and culture, encapsulated in a small, circular form. The Walking Liberty Half Dollar stands as a testament to a time when coinage was not just a means of exchange, but a canvas for national identity and artistic expression.

Design Features

The Walking Liberty Half Dollar's design is a masterpiece of numismatic art. On the obverse, Lady Liberty is depicted in full stride, moving towards the left of the coin. Her figure is graceful yet powerful, draped in the folds of the American flag which billows behind her. Liberty's right arm is outstretched, reaching forward in a gesture that symbolizes the giving of liberty to all. In her left arm, she cradles branches of laurel and oak, traditional symbols of civil and military glory.

The rising sun can be seen on the lower left, its rays extending across the coin, symbolizing the dawn of a new day and the bright future of America. The word "LIBERTY" is boldly inscribed along the upper rim of the coin, while "IN GOD WE TRUST" appears to the right of Liberty's figure. The year of minting is placed at the bottom.

The reverse design is equally impressive. An American bald eagle stands proudly on a rocky crag, its wings unfurled as if preparing for flight. This posture conveys strength and readiness, embodying the spirit of a nation always prepared to defend its ideals. A mountain pine sapling grows from a crevice in the rock, symbolizing America's youthful vigor and potential for growth.

The inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "HALF DOLLAR" encircle the upper and lower edges of the reverse, respectively. The motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM" (Out of Many, One) is placed to the left of the eagle, reinforcing the nation's unity. The designer's initials, "AW" for Adolph Weinman, can be found tucked discreetly under the eagle's wing.

Product Highlights

• Metal Type: SILVER – Hedge
• Purity: 0.9
• Weight: 0.715 oz
• Grade: XF – Extremely Fine
• Manufacturer: United States Mint
• Obverse: Lady Liberty striding towards the rising sun, draped in the American flag
• Reverse: American bald eagle perched on a rocky crag with wings unfolded

Investment Appeal

The Walking Liberty Half Dollar, particularly in Extremely Fine condition, presents a compelling opportunity for both collectors and investors. These coins offer a unique combination of historical significance, artistic beauty, and precious metal content that makes them highly desirable in the numismatic market.

With a silver purity of 90%, these coins provide a tangible investment in precious metals. Their weight of 0.715 ounces of silver ensures that they hold intrinsic value beyond their numismatic worth. This dual nature – as both a collectible and a silver investment – provides a hedge against economic uncertainty and inflation.

The Extremely Fine grade indicates that these coins have retained much of their original detail, making them particularly attractive to collectors who appreciate the nuances of Weinman's iconic design. This grade strikes a balance between collectibility and affordability, offering a high-quality specimen without the premium price of uncirculated examples.

Moreover, the historical significance of the Walking Liberty Half Dollar adds to its investment appeal. As a coin that circulated during some of America's most defining moments of the 20th century, it carries with it a piece of the nation's heritage. This historical value tends to appreciate over time, often outpacing the growth of silver prices alone.

For investors looking to diversify their portfolio with tangible assets, these Walking Liberty Half Dollars offer an excellent option. They combine the stability of precious metals with the potential for numismatic appreciation, all wrapped in a package rich with American history and artistry. As both a store of value and a piece of Americana, these coins represent a smart addition to any investment strategy or collection.