Numismatic

1916 Walking Liberty Half Dollar Fine

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The year 1916 marked the debut of one of America's most celebrated coin designs, the Walking Liberty half dollar. Struck in 0.3575 troy ounces of fine silver, this first year issue represents a dramatic shift in the artistic expression of United States coinage. The Philadelphia Mint produced a relatively small run of just 608,000 of these fifty cent pieces, making them a particularly compelling find for history enthusiasts. On the obverse, Adolph Weinman's design depicts Lady Liberty moving gracefully toward a rising sun, her shoulders draped in the American flag as she cradles a bundle of branches. The year 1916 is anchored at the bottom, with the words IN GOD WE TRUST positioned in the field. This side captures a sense of optimism and forward movement that defined the era. The reverse displays a powerful eagle perched upon a mountain crag, its wings partially spread as if preparing to launch into flight. The inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and HALF DOLLAR frame this majestic bird, accompanied by the traditional motto E PLURIBUS UNUM. Even in Fine condition, the essential strength of Weinman's dual compositions remains clearly visible, offering a window into early twentieth century artistic achievement.