Lot 1546
1916-S. PCGS graded MS-65. Nice golden toning. Nice strike. Silver satin surfaces, quite lustrous in appearance under the obviously original and quite appealing toning. Struck with preciseness only now and then found on 1916-S, the first year of issue and by all measures the scarcest branch mint this year. Pop 82; 14 in 66; 1 in67. (PCGS # 6568) .
Weinman's Walking Liberty half dollar, highly regarded today, evoked mixed reactions when it made its debut. "At last we have on our coins the great American eagle in a natural, lifelike form," The Numismatist said. "As represented on the half dollar he is, as the small boy would say, 'some bird,' and his size and proportions are in keeping with the greatness and power of the country."
However, ornithologist Frank M. Chapman chided, "The artist has made this bird a terrestrial fowl, striding or marching on the ground like a turkey- cock, and with as much dignity as one." Another critic said, "The eagle looks as though it were wearing overalls and marching through hot tar." Still another said, "Liberty in sandals taking giant strides across its face might burn her toes if she should step one millimeter nearer the rising sun."
Estimated Value $3,500 - 4,000.
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