1916-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar PCGS MS64

The 1916-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar marks the first year of issue for what is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful designs in American coinage. Sculptor Adolph A. Weinman’s vision of Liberty striding confidently toward the dawn of a new day created an iconic image that endures more than a century later. The 1916-D is not only a first-year issue but also a historic coin that bridges the artistry of early 20th-century design with the spirit of optimism in the years leading up to America’s involvement in World War I.

The Walking Liberty design replaced the long-running Barber half dollar, which had been in circulation since 1892. By 1916, public and artistic pressure had mounted for new coinage designs that reflected modern ideals and greater artistic merit. Weinman, already recognized for his work on medals and sculptures, created a design that was both dynamic and symbolic. Liberty strides across the obverse with her right arm outstretched and a branch of laurel and oak in her left hand. The American flag drapes gracefully around her shoulders, symbolizing unity and national pride. On the reverse, a powerful bald eagle perches on a mountain crag with wings outstretched, ready for flight.

The Denver Mint was one of three facilities to strike the new half dollar in 1916, alongside Philadelphia and San Francisco. The Denver issue produced a mintage of 1,014,400 coins. While not the lowest mintage of the year, the 1916-D has long been appreciated for its status as a first-year issue and for the role it plays in introducing one of the most admired coinage designs in United States history. Collectors especially value it in Mint State, where the artistry of Weinman’s design is most vividly displayed.

The example offered here has been certified MS64 by PCGS, placing it in the near-Gem category. A Mint State 64 grade reflects a coin that retains full original mint luster and strong detail across the design. Light marks or abrasions may be present, but they do not significantly detract from the coin’s overall appearance. The eye appeal is high, with Liberty’s flowing figure and the eagle’s bold stance presented in sharp relief.

High-grade survivors of the 1916-D are scarcer than the mintage figure might suggest. Many coins circulated heavily, and others saw mishandling over the decades. Today, finding an example that has been preserved with such strong luster and detail is a rewarding achievement for collectors. At the MS64 level, the coin offers a superb combination of rarity, preservation, and affordability compared to the small population of Gem-level pieces graded MS65 and higher.

The historical context of the 1916-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar adds to its appeal. This was a period of significant change in the United States. While the nation was not yet directly involved in the First World War, it was increasingly drawn into global affairs. At the same time, there was a strong cultural movement toward elevating art in public life, and coinage was one of the most visible ways to achieve this. Weinman’s design captured these ideals perfectly, creating an enduring image of strength, liberty, and progress.

For type collectors, the 1916-D represents an excellent way to secure a first-year example of the Walking Liberty series in a high state of preservation. For series specialists, it is a cornerstone date that adds historical depth and numismatic importance to a collection. In either case, the MS64 grade provides the kind of visual impact that makes this coin a highlight in any cabinet.

In summary, the 1916-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar PCGS MS64 is a coin of exceptional historical and artistic significance. As a first-year issue of one of America’s greatest coin designs, it carries weight far beyond its mintage figure. Its near-Gem quality, strong eye appeal, and enduring symbolism make it a prize for both type collectors and Walking Liberty specialists. It is a coin that embodies the optimism and artistry of early 20th-century America, preserved today in remarkable Mint State condition.