Numismatic

1916-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar MS-65 PCGS

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The year 1916 marked a dramatic transformation in United States coinage, introducing some of the most celebrated artistic designs in the nation's history. Among these was the Walking Liberty half dollar, a 90 percent silver coin that immediately captured the public imagination. This particular specimen, struck at the Denver Mint during the very first year of the series, survives in an extraordinary state of preservation, certified as Mint State 65. What makes the 1916 Denver issue especially compelling to scholars and enthusiasts is the unique placement of its mint mark. On these initial releases, the small letter D is located on the obverse side, positioned just below the national motto. This design choice was short-lived, as the mint mark was relocated to the reverse in subsequent years, making the 1916-D a distinct and prominent variety within the series. With a total mintage of just 1,014,400 pieces, finding a 1916-D half dollar in such a high grade is a remarkable occurrence. The coin contains 0.3575 troy ounces of pure silver, and its surfaces showcase the full detail of the original design, from the folds of Liberty's gown to the powerful eagle on the reverse, accompanied by the traditional inscriptions of American coinage.