Numismatic

1916 Walking Liberty Half Dollar XF

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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. This first year of issue features the Walking Liberty design, struck in 90 percent silver at the Philadelphia Mint. With a relatively low mintage of just 608,000 pieces, this inaugural release represents the dawn of a classic era in American coinage. The obverse displays Lady Liberty moving gracefully toward a rising sun, cradling a bundle of branches in her arm. This side bears the inscription IN GOD WE TRUST and the date 1916. On the reverse, a powerful eagle stands perched upon a rugged stone outcrop, wings slightly spread as if preparing for flight. The reverse inscriptions include UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, the traditional motto E PLURIBUS UNUM, and the face value of HALF DOLLAR. This particular coin survives in Extra Fine condition, preserving the fine details of Adolph Weinman's artistic vision. Containing approximately 0.3575 troy ounces of pure silver, it stands as a remarkable artifact from the very beginning of the Walking Liberty series.