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The Certified Walking Liberty Half Dollar 1946 MS67 PCGS is a remarkable coin from one of the most beautiful and widely collected series in American numismatics. The Walking Liberty Half Dollar, designed by Adolph A. Weinman, was issued from 1916 to 1947 and remains one of the most celebrated coin designs in U.S. history. The 1946 issue represents a late-date example in the series, produced in the years following World War II, during a time of economic recovery and post-war prosperity in the United States. As one of the final years of the series, the 1946 Walking Liberty Half Dollar holds historical significance as part of the transition toward modern American coinage.
The Walking Liberty Half Dollar series was introduced in 1916 as part of an initiative to redesign U.S. coinage. The new design was meant to reflect American ideals of liberty, strength, and prosperity. The series replaced the Barber Half Dollar, which had been in circulation since 1892. The artistic quality of the Walking Liberty design was so highly regarded that it was later adapted for the American Silver Eagle bullion coin, first issued in 1986. The 1946 Walking Liberty Half Dollar, being one of the last issues before the series was replaced by the Franklin Half Dollar in 1948, is particularly desirable among collectors.
The obverse of the 1946 Walking Liberty Half Dollar features a striking image of Lady Liberty striding forward toward the dawn of a new day. She is draped in an American flag, with her right arm outstretched as if welcoming progress and hope. In her left hand, she carries branches of laurel and oak, symbolizing civil and military strength. The sun’s rays extend upward from the lower left, reinforcing the sense of optimism and renewal. The word "LIBERTY" arches across the top of the design, while the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" appears to the right of Liberty. The date "1946" is inscribed at the bottom. The high relief and intricate detailing of this design make it one of the most visually stunning in American numismatic history.
The reverse of the coin features an equally impressive depiction of an American bald eagle perched on a rocky crag, wings partially extended as if preparing to take flight. A mountain pine sapling grows from the rock, symbolizing resilience and growth. The eagle's gaze is strong and determined, reflecting the strength of the nation. The inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "E PLURIBUS UNUM" surround the design, while the denomination "HALF DOLLAR" is prominently displayed at the bottom. The sculptural quality of the eagle and its surrounding elements highlight Weinman’s exceptional artistic ability.
The 1946 Walking Liberty Half Dollar was struck at three U.S. Mint facilities: Philadelphia (no mintmark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). The Philadelphia Mint, responsible for the largest portion of the mintage, produced 12,118,000 coins. The Denver Mint struck 2,151,000 coins, while the San Francisco Mint minted 3,724,000. As a widely circulated denomination, the Walking Liberty Half Dollar saw heavy use in commerce, making high-grade specimens relatively scarce. The Philadelphia issue, which lacks a mintmark, is the most commonly found in Mint State grades, though examples at MS67 or higher are rare and highly sought after.
The mintage numbers for the 1946 Walking Liberty Half Dollar suggest that it was a relatively abundant coin in its time. However, due to widespread circulation, few well-preserved examples remain. Many of these coins suffered from extensive wear, bag marks, and contact damage over the years. Finding an example in MS67 condition, as certified by PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service), is a rarity, making it a highly desirable collectible among numismatists.
The Certified 1946 Walking Liberty Half Dollar MS67 PCGS represents one of the finest known examples of this coin. Graded MS67, it is nearly perfect, with only the slightest imperfections visible under magnification. The surfaces of an MS67 specimen exhibit full, original luster with no signs of wear. The strike is exceptionally sharp, with crisp details in Liberty’s gown, the eagle’s feathers, and the sun’s rays. Only a small number of 1946 Walking Liberty Half Dollars have been certified at this elite level, making it a premium piece for collectors.
The obverse of an MS67 specimen should display an immaculate rendition of Lady Liberty, with the finest details of her flowing robe and the American flag visible in full clarity. The sun’s rays should be sharply defined, with no weakness in the strike. The motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" should be bold and fully legible. The fields of the coin should be smooth, with no significant abrasions or marks. Any contact marks present should be microscopic and only visible under magnification. The coin should exhibit full cartwheel luster, with a strong, original mint finish that enhances its visual appeal.
The reverse of an MS67 specimen should feature a perfectly detailed eagle, with each individual feather rendered with precision. The rock and pine sapling should show clear texture, demonstrating the quality of the original strike. The inscriptions should be bold and fully legible, with no signs of weakness in the lettering. The coin’s rim should be sharp and well-defined, free from nicks or damage. The overall surface should be nearly flawless, with a strong, satiny luster that enhances the depth of the design.
One of the key characteristics of an MS67 specimen is its outstanding luster. The coin should exhibit a radiant, almost frosty brilliance that gives it an eye-catching appeal. Unlike lower-grade examples, which may have dulled surfaces due to handling or environmental exposure, an MS67 Walking Liberty Half Dollar retains its original mint glow. The combination of strong strike quality, flawless surfaces, and full luster makes this grade one of the most desirable for collectors seeking the highest-quality examples.
The Certified 1946 Walking Liberty Half Dollar MS67 PCGS remains an important numismatic artifact, representing both the artistic excellence of early 20th-century American coinage and the transition from classic designs to modern coinage. As one of the final issues in the Walking Liberty series, the 1946 Half Dollar holds historical significance as part of the last years before the introduction of the Franklin Half Dollar in 1948. Its enduring appeal continues to captivate collectors and investors alike.
For collectors seeking a Certified 1946 Walking Liberty Half Dollar MS67 PCGS, reputable numismatic dealers, online auctions, and specialized coin retailers offer the best opportunities. Given the coin’s rarity at this grade level, ensuring proper certification through PCGS or another reputable grading service is essential. Collectors should look for specimens with strong visual appeal, sharp strike quality, and minimal surface imperfections, all of which contribute to the coin’s desirability and market value.
The Certified 1946 Walking Liberty Half Dollar MS67 PCGS stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of one of America’s most beloved coin series. With its stunning design, historical significance, and near-pristine condition, this coin remains one of the most sought-after issues in the Walking Liberty series. Whether appreciated for its artistic beauty, its role in U.S. history, or its numismatic value, the 1946 Walking Liberty Half Dollar continues to be a treasured collectible for generations of numismatists.