Adolph A. Weinman’s Walking Liberty half dollar — introduced in 1916 alongside his Mercury dime — is widely considered one of the most beautiful U.S. coins ever struck. The obverse shows Liberty striding toward the sunrise draped in the flag; the reverse depicts an eagle on a crag. The design was so admired that its obverse was revived for the American Silver Eagle bullion coin in 1986.
Key facts
- Designed by: Adolph A. Weinman
- Issue dates: 1916–1947
- Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
- Diameter: 30.6 mm
- Weight: 12.50 grams (192.90 grains)
- Edge: Reeded
Later dates (the 1940s) are plentiful and make an easy, affordable type coin, but sharply struck examples are decidedly scarce across the series, since the high points of Liberty’s hand and head often come up flat. Proofs were struck 1936–1942.
The key dates are the early issues: the first-year 1916 and 1916-S, the 1917-D and 1917-S (with mintmark on obverse and reverse varieties), the 1919-D, the famous 1921, 1921-D, and 1921-S, and the 1938-D.
We actively buy Walking Liberty half dollars in every grade, from circulated common dates to the key early issues and sharp Mint State and Proof examples. Send photos for a free, no-obligation offer.