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The Certified 1942 Walking Liberty Half Dollar, graded MS64 by PCGS and noted for its attractive toning, is an exceptional example of one of the most iconic U.S. coin designs. Designed by Adolph A. Weinman and first introduced in 1916, the Walking Liberty Half Dollar is renowned for its artistic beauty and symbolic representation of liberty and American ideals. This series ran until 1947, and the 1942 issue comes from a pivotal time in U.S. history, as the nation was fully engaged in World War II. The MS64 grade reflects the high quality of this coin, with strong details and minimal imperfections, while the natural toning adds to its visual appeal, giving it a unique character that enhances its desirability among collectors.
The obverse of the 1942 Walking Liberty Half Dollar features the stunning image of Lady Liberty striding toward the rising sun, draped in the American flag. Liberty holds out her right arm, symbolizing hope and freedom, while her left hand clutches branches of laurel and oak, representing civil and military glory. The design is both dynamic and graceful, evoking a sense of movement and progress. Above Liberty’s head is the inscription "LIBERTY," while the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" appears to the lower right, with the date "1942" positioned at the bottom. In this MS64 example, the obverse is remarkably well-preserved, with sharp details in Liberty’s flowing gown and the flag’s folds. The coin’s natural toning, which has developed over decades, adds depth to the design, with hues of gold, blue, and light purple enhancing the overall aesthetic. The toning accentuates the contours of the design, making the coin visually striking and unique.
The reverse of the 1942 Walking Liberty Half Dollar is equally beautiful, featuring a majestic bald eagle perched on a rocky crag, wings partially extended as if about to take flight. The eagle is a symbol of strength and freedom, qualities that were especially relevant during the wartime era in which this coin was minted. To the left of the eagle is a small pine sapling growing from the rock, symbolizing resilience and renewal. The inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "E PLURIBUS UNUM" are displayed above the eagle, while the denomination "HALF DOLLAR" is inscribed at the bottom. On this MS64 coin, the reverse details are sharp, particularly in the eagle’s feathers and the rock’s texture. The natural toning on the reverse mirrors that of the obverse, with soft hues that enhance the coin’s depth and give it a distinctive, attractive appearance. The toning, combined with the strong strike, makes this reverse especially appealing to collectors who appreciate toned coins for their individuality and beauty.
The 1942 Walking Liberty Half Dollar was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, which did not include a mintmark on coins produced at this facility. The Philadelphia Mint was the nation’s primary mint and was responsible for producing a significant portion of the nation’s circulating coinage, including the Walking Liberty Half Dollar series. The 1942 issue had a substantial mintage of 47,839,000 coins, reflecting the high demand for silver coinage during the wartime economy. Despite the large mintage, finding well-preserved examples in high grades, such as this MS64 coin, can be challenging, particularly with attractive toning. Many of these coins saw heavy circulation or were melted down for their silver content, making high-grade survivors like this one all the more valuable.
The Walking Liberty Half Dollar series is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, a standard alloy for U.S. silver coinage at the time. Each coin weighs 12.50 grams and has a diameter of 30.6 millimeters. The high silver content gives the coin intrinsic value, as well as contributing to its brilliant luster, especially in uncirculated grades like MS64. Over time, silver coins like the Walking Liberty Half Dollar often develop natural toning due to exposure to air and environmental factors. The toning on this 1942 example is particularly attractive, adding character and uniqueness to the coin, which enhances its appeal for collectors who value toned coins.
The MS64 grade assigned by PCGS indicates that this 1942 Walking Liberty Half Dollar is in near-gem condition, with only minor imperfections that are not immediately noticeable without magnification. Coins in this grade exhibit strong eye appeal, with sharp details, bright luster, and minimal contact marks or abrasions. The natural toning on this coin further enhances its desirability, giving it a unique visual charm that sets it apart from other examples of the same issue. Collectors prize MS64 coins for their combination of high quality and affordability, offering an attractive appearance without the premium associated with higher grades like MS65 or MS66.
The Certified 1942 Walking Liberty Half Dollar MS64 PCGS Toned is a remarkable example of one of the most iconic designs in U.S. coinage. Its sharp strike, radiant luster, and attractive natural toning make it a standout piece in any collection. As part of the Walking Liberty Half Dollar series, the 1942 issue holds a special place in American numismatic history, symbolizing the nation’s resilience and ideals during one of the most challenging periods in its history. Whether collected for its beauty, historical significance, or investment potential, this MS64 toned half dollar is a valuable and eye-catching addition to any collection of U.S. silver coins.