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The 1939 Walking Liberty Half Dollar is a compelling piece of American numismatic history, emblematic of the mid-20th-century era of coinage design. Struck as part of the Walking Liberty series, which ran from 1916 to 1947, this coin represents a time of significant economic and social change in the United States. Designed by Adolph A. Weinman, the Walking Liberty Half Dollar is renowned for its striking artistic quality and has become one of the most celebrated coins in American coinage history.
The obverse of the 1939 Walking Liberty Half Dollar features the iconic image of Lady Liberty walking with a sense of purpose and grace. She strides confidently towards the rising sun, draped in an American flag that accentuates her movement. Lady Liberty’s posture is dynamic, with her left arm carrying a bundle of branches that symbolize peace and prosperity, while her right arm extends forward, symbolizing hope and renewal. Surrounding this powerful image are the inscriptions “LIBERTY” at the top and “IN GOD WE TRUST” to the right. The level of detail in the design, from the folds of Liberty’s robe to the intricacies of her face, showcases Weinman’s skill in rendering a majestic yet approachable representation of American ideals.
The reverse of the coin depicts an American bald eagle perched atop a rocky outcrop, ready to take flight. The eagle’s wings are fully spread, and it clutches a bundle of arrows in one talon and an olive branch in the other, representing both military strength and peace. The inscriptions on the reverse include “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” at the top and “HALF DOLLAR” below the eagle. The design is framed by a series of stars and a banner that further enhances the coin’s aesthetic appeal and symbolic significance. Weinman’s reverse design emphasizes the themes of national pride and resilience, complementing the obverse’s portrayal of Liberty.
In 1939, the Walking Liberty Half Dollar was minted at three locations: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. The total mintage for the 1939 Walking Liberty Half Dollar across all three mints was 6,477,000 coins, with each mint producing a specific quantity that contributes to the overall rarity and desirability of the coin. The Philadelphia Mint produced 4,756,000 of these coins, while the Denver Mint contributed 1,668,000, and the San Francisco Mint struck 1,568,000. The mintmark for each facility is located on the reverse, just below the eagle’s tail feathers, denoting the mint of origin for each coin.
In Very Fine (VF) condition, the 1939 Walking Liberty Half Dollar displays moderate wear that is characteristic of coins that have been in circulation. The details on Lady Liberty’s figure and the eagle’s features are still distinct, though some of the finer details have been softened due to wear. The high points of the coin, such as Liberty’s gown and the eagle’s feathers, show noticeable smoothing, but the overall design remains recognizable and appreciable. The inscriptions and key design elements are still clearly visible, providing a solid representation of the coin’s historical and artistic significance.
The 1939 Walking Liberty Half Dollar, with its elegant design and historical context, continues to be a sought-after piece among collectors and numismatists. Its place in the Walking Liberty series, combined with the artistic prowess of Adolph A. Weinman, ensures its lasting appeal. The coin’s condition in Very Fine reflects its usage and preservation over time, making it a valuable addition to any collection and a testament to the enduring beauty of American coinage.