If you’re a coin collector, or simply someone who has stumbled upon an old Walking Liberty Half-Dollar, you might be wondering where the mint mark is located. It’s easy to miss if you’re not familiar with these coins – but don’t worry! We can help you out.
The mint mark on a Walking Liberty Half-Dollar can be located on the obverse (heads side) near the bottom portion of Lady Liberty's shoulder below her arm. The letter “D” or “S” (for Denver and San Francisco respectively) will appear there depending on which mint your coin originated from. It should be clearly visible when viewed through a magnifier or loop.
Knowing which mint your walking liberty half-dollar originates from can give clues to its potential value, so it's important to keep an eye out for that small letter! If you need some assistance identifying other features of this classic coin design, please don't hesitate to reach out - we'd love to help!
What year was the Walking Liberty Half-Dollar first minted?
The Walking Liberty Half-Dollar was first minted in 1916 as a replacement for the Barber Half-Dollar. This new coin was designed by Adolph A. Weinman and features an elegant rendition of Lady Liberty walking forward, carrying an oak and laurel branches signifying civil and military glory on the obverse (head side) of the coin.
Since its debut in 1916, The Walking Liberty Half-Dollar has been consistently well received by collectors, earning distinction as one of the most beautiful coins struck by the United States Mint. Although it was only circulated until 1947 when it was replaced by the Franklin Half-Dollars, The Walking Liberty is still considered one of America’s most recognizable coins.
In addition to its obvious aesthetic appeal, many collectors highly value this classic issue because of its historical symbolism; not only does it remind us of our hard fought entrance into World War One but also makes a statement about our nation’s commitment to liberty and justice for all citizens. So if you happen upon a Walking Liberty half in your pocket change or your local antique shop, consider yourself lucky!
How much silver is contained in a Walking Liberty Half-Dollar?
The Walking Liberty Half-Dollar is a classic American coin containing 90% silver, 10% copper and minted from 1916 through 1947. The collector's value of these coins can vary largely depending on the condition, but generally speaking the silver content of each one is roughly 0.36169 ounces. This equates to 11.5 grams of silver per coin; a significant amount given that since 1940 the face value of these coins has been 50 cents US dollars!
These coins have long been cherished for their historical significance and beauty, and with such large amounts of actual silver content present in each one it’s no wonder why many collectors choose them for their collections! Silver is incredibly precious in its own right and owning something that contains so much isn’t only exciting but also potentially quite rewarding!
What is the current value of a Walking Liberty Half-Dollar?
If you're an avid coin collector or a savvy investor, chances are you've heard of the popular Walking Liberty Half-Dollar—one of America's most loved silver coins. The Walking Liberty Half Dollar was first minted in 1916 and marked its centennial out of production in 2016, making it one of the oldest surviving coins produced by the United States Mint.
Accurate pricing for a Walking Liberty Half-Dollar is based on two primary factors—grade and rarity. These coins were issued from mid-1916 to 1947 and have since become quite collectible over time due to their impressive design featuring Lady Liberty draped in the American flag walking toward a rising sun with her right arm extended.
When it comes to grade, Uncirculated pieces command higher prices than circulated ones due to their better eye appeal and luster retention. Depending on condition, uncirculated issues range in price from barely above face value to $200–350 apiece while lower graded circulated examples may fetch anywhere from $10 - 60 per coin depending on general wear plus marks or scratches they may have acquired over time while tucked away in somebody’s pocketbook or desk drawer!
Rarity also plays an important role when valuing these classic coins as certain Walkers (as collectors refer to them) will be worth more than others simply because fewer were made that particular year—generally speaking, pieces minted prior to 1930 tend not sell for much premium unless near perfect condition which is helped by luster retention plus no marks or spots caused through handling over its lifetime. Of course there are always exceptions - special date varieties such as 1921 would still warrant some premium regardless because they have been known not just among American collectors but WorldWide ones wanting something precious that’ll last another 100 years! All good things come at a price so although market values fluctuate make sure you know what newbies versus seasoned investors might be willing pay when shopping around for your Walking Liberty collection!
Are all Walking Liberty Half-Dollars worth collecting?
In the world of coin collecting, Walking Liberty Half-Dollars have become some of the most sought-after coins to add to collections. These coins feature one of the most iconic designs ever created, which was designed by Adolph A. Weinman in 1916 and found its way onto many denominations of American coinage up through 1947. While all Walking Liberty Half-Dollars are worth picking up and adding to a collection when an opportunity arises, it is important to remember that not all will be worth a lot on paper or have a high collector's value.
If you're looking for a Walking Liberty Half-Dollar that has a significant collector's value, it is important to pay attention to certain factors like the condition and year minted. Most notably, coins from 1946 and 1947 tend to bring higher values due to their shorter mintage numbers as well as being some of the last coins printed with this design before any major changes can take place in American currency production during this time period. Some people focus solely on seeking out uncirculated coins from either year as they tend be more valuable than ones that may show signs of wear or damage from circulation over time.
It should also be noted that any key date varieties (such as 1921 in circulation strike) are usually worth much more than other dates prior or following them due primarily by their lower mintage numbers compared with other years making them rarer thus giving them extra collectible value. Collectors should also avoid buying common date Walkers that have been worn down significantly as they will not fetch much if anything at all beyond whatever silver content remains within them once professionally graded by an accredited third party grading service like PCGS or NGC so buyer beware!
Overall while there are certain Walking Liberty Half-Dollars which hold higher values than others based on their condition, rarity and mint year, even if your main interest lies mainly with collecting "regular issue" walkers then these old silver pieces still make for great additions nonetheless since regardless each represents a part of history having once traded hands across different generations throughout America - So yes! All Walking Liberty’s definitely warrant collecting for any variety reasons one may desire!
How can you identify a counterfeit Walking Liberty Half-Dollar?
When it comes to identifying a counterfeit Walking Liberty Half-Dollar, the key is understanding all of the telltale signs. A fake coin will often have different surface features than a real coin. For example, when looking at your coin from the edge or side view, counterfiet coins often have sharp corners compared to real coins which are rounded and smoother. Additionally, when looking on the front of the walking Lady design, you should take note if all of her body parts look proportionate or if one is noticeably smaller than another. This can be an indication that it is counterfeit.
Finally, even with a magnifying glass it’s important to know that counterfeited Walking Liberty Half-Dollars can sometimes be difficult ot identify since they are often made with a higher density metal alloy and look more detailed than real coins. It's recommended you consult with an experienced numismatic who can authenticate the authenticity of your Walking Liberty Half-Dollar before making any purchase decisions.
What special editions of the Walking Liberty Half-Dollar were minted?
When it comes to the American Walking Liberty Half-Dollar, there have been a variety of special edition issues over the decades. The first U.S. coins struck with the image of Lady Liberty strides confidently across a rocky outcrop were designed by Adolph A. Weinman and minted in 1916, right as World War I was beginning to take off in Europe.
Since then, other editions of this iconic coin have been produced for specific commemorative events or special occasions throughout its long lifetime including several commemorative five-coin sets issued between 1936 and 1947 honoring famous early American statesmen such as Benjamin Franklin, George Washington and John Marshall (1936), Booker T Washington and George Washington Carver (1946) and John Adams (1947).
The 1990 Walker Liberty half was also had an item that turned out be quite collectable – an uncirculated set featuring a sterling silver coin paying tribute to the 200th anniversary of Senator Claiborne Pell’s birth with use reserve on Sunken Pond Beach in Rhode Island; only 5000 sets were made available!
Collectors will also want to keep their eyes open for limited releases from 1991 such as those issued for Remington Arms Company celebrating the 100th anniversary of America’s most historic ammunition company or from 1995 featuring General Douglas MacArthur during his service in France at World War 1 artillery grounds in Argonne Forest National Historic Site; again extremely limited amounts were released making these “special circumstances” editions rarer than normal issues!
Other more obscure weeks include 1996 Mint State Proofs created by Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) which certified each one individually; 2010 Special Civilian Issue Collector Sets highlighting heroes who served during Vietnam War Wounded Warrior Project Initiative; finally let us not forgot 2017 California Gold Rush 50-Coin Set 200th Anniversary Edition – both circulated coins plus two solid gold coins produced exclusively for this anniversary celebration.
Ultimately these are but few among many one-of-a kind Walking Liberty Half Dollars released throughout its time line making them very much sought after collector pieces today - so keep your eyes peeled if you ever find yourself browsing through your local coin shops!
Sources
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