Vital Stats.
Designer: Adolph Alexander Weinman
Weight: 12.5 grams
Diameter: 30 millimeters
Edge: Reeded
Content: 90% silver 10% copper
Mint Mark Location: - 1916 - 1917: Below the R of TRUST on the obverse.
- 1917 - 1947: Below the branch on the reverse. (1917 could be either location)
Walking Liberty Mint age
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Typical
Walking Liberty Half Dollar
Walking Lib. Mint Mark on Reverse Example
Walking Lib. Mint Mark on Obverse Example
Liberty is displayed on the obverse walking left in full stride toward the rising
sun (a new day). She is wearing a cap, Roman sandals and a long flowing gown. Her
right arm is outstretched, with her left carrying branches of laurel and oak symbolizing
civil and military glory. An American flag billows behind her and partially wraps
around her. It appears the wind is at her back.
The reverse depicts a majestic left walking eagle, its wings partially uplifted,
stands on a rock, its right claw clutching a pine branch (showing both needles and
cones) was placed on the reverse.
These strongly patriotic themes resonated perfectly across a nation then preparing
to enter World War I, ironically against the land of Weinman's birth.
In 1916 and part of 1917 the mint mark appeared below "IN GOD WE TRUST", in 1917 it was moved to the reverse.
As beautiful as the half dollar was, unfortunately, it was difficult to strike,
and many dates are weakly struck and the census reports few proof pieces. Half dollars
for circulation were not minted in 1922, 1924 through 1926, and 1930 through 1932.
The Franklin half dollar succeeded the Walker in 1948. But 38 years later, in 1986,
Uncle Sam dusted off the Weinman design for the obverse of the one-ounce American
Eagle silver bullion coin, which has been minted annually ever since.
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