Walking Liberty Silver Half Dollars of World War II

The genius behind this magnificent coin was Adolph A. Weinman, who came up with his brilliant patriotic theme for the U.S. half dollar in 1916, on the eve of America’s entrance into World War I. Its meaningful images and beautiful design made it immediately popular with the American public, and it continued to be minted until 1947, delivering its inspirational message to Americans through two World Wars. We have just acquired a spectacular group of “Walkers,” as they are known, minted during World War II, when the coin’s strongly patriotic design became a daily inspiration for Americans, who sacrificed so much to help save the world from Nazi Germany and its Axis allies. Perfectly capturing the spirit of a nation at war, the design shows Lady Liberty striding into the rising sun to defend freedom, her right hand outstretched, bestowing the spirit of liberty to the world. In her left arm she cradles a large bundle of oak and laurel branches, to be used to make wreaths for the victorious heroes. On her feet are Roman sandals and on her head is a Roman cap representing liberty— but by far the most dramatic aspect of her attire is her gown, which consists of a swirling, billowing American flag. On the reverse, Weinman placed a fierce-looking American eagle, poised on a mountain crag with its wings spread, ready to attack. To the left, growing out of a cleft in the rock, is a gnarled mountain pine symbolic of this great nation’s spirit of survival in the face of adversity. The superb artistry of these beautiful coins is best appreciated when you can examine them in Brilliant Uncirculated condition— but well-struck Walking Liberty halves in such high grade are scarce and can be quite expensive. We recently acquired, at a very favorable price, a large group of “Walkers” from the World War II years (1942-1945) in Brilliant Uncirculated condition, and are extremely pleased to offer them to our customers. All the details of Weinman’s inspirational design are preserved on these shining examples of a coin that has been hailed as one of the greatest of all time.