The Walking Liberty Half Dollar, minted from 1916 to 1947, is a popular coin among collectors due to its beautiful design and historical significance. Here's a breakdown of its key characteristics:

Design:

• Obverse (Heads): Features a graceful depiction of Lady Liberty in full stride, enveloped in a flowing American flag, with the Capitol building in the background. The inscription "LIBERTY" curves above and the date appears below.
• Reverse (Tails): Showcases a bold American bald eagle perched on a rocky crag, with the denomination ("50 CENTS") above and the words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" encircling the design.

Historical Significance:

• Designed by Adolph A. Weinman: A renowned sculptor, Weinman's design marked a shift towards a more symbolic and dynamic representation of Liberty compared to previous coinage.
• End of an Era: The Walking Liberty Half Dollar replaced the Barber Half Dollar (1892-1915) and was eventually succeeded by the Franklin Half Dollar (1948-1960).

Collectability:

• Visually Appealing Design: The Walking Liberty Half Dollar is admired for its beautiful and symbolic depiction of Liberty.
• Relatively Short Mintage: Compared to some long-running series, the 32-year mintage makes these coins somewhat scarcer, especially in higher grades.
• Key Dates and Varieties: Certain dates and die varieties within the series can be more valuable for collectors. Here are some examples:
  • 1916 and 1917: Earlier issues can be more valuable, particularly those with a full mintmark on the reverse (for 1917).
  • 1921 "Weak Knees" Variety: Look for a less defined vertical line structure on Liberty's knees in the reverse design.

Factors Affecting Value:

• Condition: As with all coins, condition is paramount. Higher grades (MS63 and above) from reputable grading services like PCGS or NGC command a premium.
• Mintmark: Early issues from the Philadelphia mint (no mintmark) or scarcer issues from the Denver or San Francisco mints can be more valuable.
• Variety: Specific die variations like the "Weak Knees" 1921 can significantly impact value.

Where to Find Walking Liberty Half Dollars:

• You can find Walking Liberty Half Dollars at coin shops, online marketplaces like eBay, or through auctions.
• When considering a purchase, ensure the coin is authentic and has been graded by a reputable service if it's in potentially higher condition.

Overall, the Walking Liberty Half Dollar remains a treasured piece of American coinage. Its beautiful design, historical significance, and collectable aspects make it a favorite among collectors and a captivating element of American numismatics.