It can be hard to grade a Walking Liberty Half Dollar because to its complex design and difficulties during the minting process. Even while the specifications for coin grading are mostly the same, this series has unique features that make it harder to determine the grade, especially as many of these coins—especially those minted in the 1920s—are regularly worn out despite keeping mint shine. Some problems are common even with excellently preserved San Francisco coins or proofs from 1936-1942, including missing design features. To make sure you’re evaluating a Walking Liberty Half Dollar correctly, it’s important to understand the design challenges.
Grading Standards for Walking Liberty Half Dollar
Using a planned grading system will help you grade your Walking Liberty Half Dollar. Professional grading agencies like the American Numismatic Association (ANA) and collectors regularly use the Sheldon scale. Coins are graded on this scale from 1 to 70, where higher numbers represent better condition. Although it might be challenging for a new collector to determine the precise grade of their coins, the Sheldon scale provides a reliable way of determining the coin’s value and quality.
Understanding the Grades
The Walking Liberty Half Dollar was first struck in 1916 and continued to be struck until the end of World War II. The final collection was issued in 1947. These coins continue to be among the most popular collector American coins because of their outstanding design and quality. How to assess your Walking Liberty Half Dollar, from the most worn to the most excellent examples, can be found here.
1. About Good (AG 3)
- Obverse: The image of Liberty is mostly worn away, with only the faintest outline visible. Details such as the folds in her dress and the olive branch are indistinct, and the inscriptions are flat and partially worn into the coin’s edge. However, the date is still clearly readable.
- Reverse: The eagle on the reverse side is also very worn. The feathers are indistinguishable, and the motto and other inscriptions are weak but still readable. This grade represents a coin that has been heavily circulated and has little to no remaining luster.
2. Good (G 4)
- Obverse: Most of the inscriptions are able to read with the design being extremely declined. The design features on Liberty’s garment have greatly flattened, but the lines of the flag and olive branch are still a little visible.
- Reverse: The eagle can be seen, but its feathers and head are flat. The inscriptions are still readable, but the legs and wings lack any visible feather detail. The edge is nearly undamaged with its age.
3. Very Good (VG 8-10)
- Obverse: At this grade, Lady Liberty’s body shows some detail, though much of it is still flattened. The inscription and date are fully readable, though the top of the motto may be slightly worn.
- Reverse: The eagle is outlined, and at least one-third of the wing feathers are visible. The rim is complete, and all the inscriptions are legible, though the design still appears somewhat flattened.
4. Fine (F 12-15)
- Obverse: This grade marks the first point where recognizable details on Liberty’s skirt and sandals are visible. There’s some wear on the right leg and extended arm, but the design is still present, and the overall details are clearer than in the lower grades.
- Reverse: The eagle’s chest and right-wing feathers are still visible, and the inscriptions are well-preserved. The coin has more definition, but some details, like the left-wing feathers, may still be worn.
5. Very Fine (VF 20-35)
- Obverse: At this grade, Liberty’s skirt lines and leg areas are visible, with only a slight trace of wear on her right arm, head, and left leg. Coins minted after 1921 should show half of the stripes on Liberty’s shield.
- Reverse: The eagle’s feathers are visible, and the overall design is sharp, though the high points are still somewhat worn. The branches in the eagle’s talons are also more defined, and most inscriptions are easily readable.
6. Extra Fine (EF 40-45)
- Obverse: Liberty’s hairline and the folds in the dress she is wearing belong to the many features seen on coins of this grade. Although the high points may have some wear, the general design is clean and the brightness is still visible, especially in sheltered regions.
- Reverse: The eagle looks strong because all of its feathers are visible. The eagle’s head and legs may have some slight wear, but generally, there is very little wear and the design is still visible.
7. About Uncirculated (AU 50-58)
- Obverse: These coins are in very good condition, with only some flattening visible on Liberty’s head, knee, and other high points. The coin will still be very attractive because it will keep a lot of its original mint clarity.
- Reverse: The eagle’s head and left leg have only minor wear, and its overall design is almost perfect. The coin is extremely bright as it was when it first appeared by the mint, with remains of mint luster still visible.
8. Mint State (MS 60-70)
- Obverse and Reverse: A coin in the mint state has never been used in circulation and retains its full luster. The surface may show light bag marks or imperfections from contact with other coins, but these should not detract from the overall quality. The design will be sharp and fully detailed, with no signs of wear. MS 70 represents a perfect coin, with no visible flaws.
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Conclusion
Grading a Walking Liberty Half Dollar can be challenging because of its complex design and the inherent minting difficulties that caused many coins to lack complete details. To accurately assess the grade of your coin, it is essential to examine key areas for wear, luster, and the clarity of the design. If you’re unsure about your coin’s grade, it may be worth sending it to a professional grading company for a more precise evaluation. With the right knowledge and attention to detail, you can accurately grade your Walking Liberty Half Dollar and understand its value in the market.