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- Product ID: 25974
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The Philadelphia Mint is the oldest mint in the US, being established in 1792. After the ratification of the Constitution, the Founding Fathers needed to establish a national identity and a means of commerce. At the time, Philadelphia was the capital of the US so it only made sense for the first mint to be built there. The Mint Act was also passed, during this time, to assign coins denominations based on their legal tender or metal fineness. The Mint Act also mandated that an emblematic symbol of liberty should be depicted on all US currency, lending to the Lady Liberty craze over the years. The Philadelphia Mint is still a main producer of US currency, carrying its years of history and expertise into every coin collection. The 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar contains a very large mintage and is in good condition. To be considered about good condition, a coin will be very worn on both sides of the coin, with the main image details compromised. The 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar was minted by the Philadelphia Mint.
A collector can simply look through all of the coin series that has passed through the US Mint's doors, since 1792, and see the inspiration behind each design. Lady Liberty has become a muse to US currency, constantly being updated in her appearance on the coinage. Picturing just her portrait became a trend until a German-American sculptor changed the trend forever. When the Mint Director, Robert W. Woolley, was allowed to change the design for the Barber half dollar, quarter, and dime, he opted to turn to the Commission of Fine Arts for a winner. Adolph A. Weinman not only won the competition but walked away with a deal to design both the new half dollar and dime. Weinman desired to portray Liberty as youthful on both coins and her depiction is stunning on the Walking Liberty.