Numismatic

1916 Walking Liberty Half Dollar Good

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In 1916, the United States Mint introduced a new half dollar design that would become one of the most celebrated in American numismatic history. Struck in 90% silver at the Philadelphia Mint, this inaugural issue represents the beginning of the Walking Liberty series. The coin contains 0.3575 troy ounces of silver, combining precious metal content with a highly regarded artistic legacy. The obverse of the coin features Lady Liberty moving gracefully toward the horizon and a rising sun. She carries a bundle of branches in her arm, symbolizing strength and peace, while her draped figure conveys a sense of forward motion. The inscription "IN GOD WE TRUST" is visible on this side, alongside the prominent 1916 date. On the reverse, an eagle is depicted perched on a mountain crag, wings partially spread as if preparing to launch into the sky. The design incorporates the national motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM" alongside the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and the denomination "HALF DOLLAR". Designed by Adolph Weinman, this first-year issue had a total mintage of 608,000 pieces, making it a particularly compelling coin to study in any state of preservation.