The Walking Liberty Half Dollar is one of the most beautifully designed coins in the history of the United States Mint. Struck from 1916 to 1947, this coin features the design work of sculptor Adolph A. Weinman, who created a piece that captured both the optimism and the forward-looking spirit of early 20th-century America. Its design elements focus on liberty and freedom, themes that resonated deeply during the periods it was minted, including World War I, the Great Depression, and World War II.

### Design
- **Obverse:** The obverse side of the coin features a full-length figure of Lady Liberty. She is walking towards the left (from the viewer's perspective), carrying branches of laurel and oak, symbols of civil and military glory, respectively. The sun is rising in the background, symbolizing a new dawn. The obverse also includes the year of minting and the word "LIBERTY," with "IN GOD WE TRUST" placed to the right.
- **Reverse:** The reverse displays an eagle perched on a rock, preparing to take flight, which is a symbol of America's readiness for defense. The design includes the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "E PLURIBUS UNUM," and "HALF DOLLAR."

### Minting and Mint Marks
The Walking Liberty Half Dollar was minted at the Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S) branches of the U.S. Mint. Mint marks for coins minted after 1916 can be found on the reverse, just below the pine branch on which the eagle is perched.

### Specifications
- **Metal Content:** 90% silver, 10% copper.
- **Weight:** 12.50 grams.
- **Diameter:** 30.63 mm.
- **Edge:** Reeded.

### Historical Significance
Apart from its beauty, the Walking Liberty Half Dollar represents a significant period in American history, reflecting the nation’s ethos and challenges. The coin was introduced at a time when the world was embroiled in conflict and the United States was on the brink of becoming a global power.

### Collectibility and Value
- **Key Dates and Rarity:** Certain issues of the Walking Liberty Half Dollar are highly sought after by collectors due to their rarity, particularly in higher grades. Key dates include 1916 and 1921, with the 1916-D being particularly rare. Additionally, the 1938-D is a key date as it has the lowest mintage of the series.
- **Condition:** The value of these coins significantly depends on their condition. Coins in higher grades (e.g., MS 65 or above) are highly prized and command premium prices, especially if they have attractive toning and strong strike details.
- **Historical and Aesthetic Appeal:** The Walking Liberty Half Dollar is collected not only for its silver content and rarity but also for its artistic design, which many collectors and numismatists consider one of the most beautiful ever produced by the United States Mint. Its design was so beloved that it inspired the obverse of the American Silver Eagle, the official silver bullion coin of the United States, first released in 1986.

The Walking Liberty Half Dollar remains a cornerstone piece for coin collectors, embodying the excellent artistry and historical richness of American coinage. Its enduring legacy and aesthetic appeal continue to captivate numismatists and silver coin enthusiasts alike.