1936 Walking Liberty Half Dollar PCGS PR65 CAC

The 1936 Walking Liberty Half Dollar is one of the most admired coins in American numismatics. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, this coin belongs to the first year of Proof issues for the Walking Liberty Half Dollar series. Collectors and investors alike value this coin for its historical importance, its artistry, and its scarcity. Graded PCGS PR65 and certified by CAC, the present example represents a high-end choice for collectors seeking quality and originality in their acquisitions.

The Walking Liberty design, created by Adolph A. Weinman, is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful designs to ever grace American coinage. The obverse features Lady Liberty striding toward the rising sun with her arm extended in a gesture of hope and freedom. She carries branches of laurel and oak, symbolizing strength and peace. Draped in the American flag, Liberty embodies the ideals of the nation during a period of change and progress. The reverse of the coin displays a bold and detailed eagle perched on a rocky crag, wings partially uplifted in a powerful stance. The composition reflects both grace and strength, making the Walking Liberty Half Dollar a lasting icon in the history of United States coinage.

Proof coinage for the Walking Liberty Half Dollar began in 1936 after a long hiatus. Prior to this date, the Mint had not issued Proof coins since 1916. As a result, the 1936 Proof issues carried an air of novelty and prestige when they were released. Only 3,901 Proof Walking Liberty Half Dollars were struck in that year, creating an immediate scarcity. Most were acquired by collectors who appreciated the chance to own a high-quality version of Weinman’s celebrated design. Today, surviving examples remain desirable due to their low mintage and their significance as the beginning of a short but memorable Proof series that continued only through 1942.

This particular example has been graded PR65 by PCGS, placing it within the Gem category. The coin displays sharp details, crisp design elements, and mirrored fields that exhibit the classic Proof appearance. At the PR65 level, minor imperfections are visible only under magnification, leaving the overall eye appeal strong and attractive. The Certified Acceptance Corporation (CAC) has also approved this coin, further confirming its quality within the assigned grade. CAC approval ensures that the coin is among the better representatives of its grade, offering collectors reassurance of originality and visual appeal.

The 1936 Proof Walking Liberty Half Dollar occupies a special place in collections for both its artistry and its rarity. As the first Proof of its type, it appeals to type collectors as well as those building full Proof sets of the series. Its low mintage ensures long-term demand, as the number of serious collectors far exceeds the surviving population of quality examples. Coins with CAC approval in PR65 or better are especially sought after, since they combine technical grade with verified quality.

Owning a 1936 Proof Walking Liberty Half Dollar is not only about holding a valuable piece of silver but also about possessing a chapter of American numismatic history. It marks the revival of Proof coinage during the 1930s, showcases one of the most admired designs in U.S. coinage, and represents the skill of the Philadelphia Mint at the time. Collectors who pursue early Proof Walkers understand that they embody both beauty and rarity, making them some of the most important 20th-century U.S. coins available today.

This PCGS PR65 CAC example presents a unique opportunity for discerning collectors. It offers Gem-level preservation, CAC-verified quality, and the distinction of being the first Proof issue of a beloved series. Whether added to a specialized Proof collection, a type set, or a portfolio of classic American silver coins, this coin stands out as a trophy piece. With its combination of history, rarity, and eye appeal, the 1936 Proof Walking Liberty Half Dollar remains a cornerstone of numismatic artistry and an enduring prize for collectors.