How to Spot Rare Errors on My Walking Half Set Just Reached 90% Complete in MS

Introduction

Most collectors overlook the tiny details that can transform an ordinary coin into a rarity worth thousands. As an error coin hunter with decades of experience, I’ve learned to recognize the subtle variations that distinguish common Walking Liberty halves from extraordinary specimens. When a fellow collector recently shared their achievement of completing 90% of a Walking Liberty half set in Mint State condition, it reminded me how these small details can make all the difference in building a truly exceptional collection.

Historical Significance of Walking Liberty Halves

The Walking Liberty half dollar, minted from 1916 to 1947, represents one of America’s most beautiful coin designs. Created by Adolph A. Weinman, this series captures Lady Liberty striding toward the dawn of a new day, with the American flag draped elegantly over her shoulders. The reverse features a majestic eagle perched on a mountain crag, wings spread in anticipation.

What many collectors don’t realize is that during the 31-year production run, numerous die varieties and errors occurred that can significantly increase a coin’s numismatic value. These variations often resulted from worn dies, misaligned dies, or mistakes during the minting process itself.

Identifying Key Markers: Die Cracks and Cuds

Die cracks are among the most common errors found on Walking Liberty halves. These occur when the die itself develops fractures from repeated striking pressure. As the metal flows into these cracks during striking, it creates raised lines on the coin’s surface that are visible to the trained eye.

Look specifically for die cracks in these areas:

• Through Liberty’s gown and along the folds
• Across the sun’s rays on the obverse
• Along the eagle’s wing feathers on the reverse
• Through the lettering, particularly in “LIBERTY” or “IN GOD WE TRUST”

Cuds represent a more dramatic form of die failure where a piece of the die breaks away completely. This creates a raised, featureless blob on the coin, typically near the rim. A 1920-S with a significant cud could be worth several times more than a standard example of this already scarce date.

Double Dies: The Holy Grail of Errors

Double die errors occur when the die itself is struck more than once during its creation, causing design elements to appear doubled. These are particularly valuable when they affect the date or major design features, making them highly sought after by serious collectors.

On Walking Liberty halves, examine these areas for doubling:

• The date (especially on 1936 and 1942 issues)
• LIBERTY inscription
• IN GOD WE TRUST motto
• Liberty’s fingers and thumb
• The eagle’s eye and beak

A genuine 1942 double die half dollar can command prices exceeding $5,000 in MS-65 condition, making it one of the most valuable varieties in the series and a true prize for any collection.

Mint Mark Variations and Their Significance

Mint mark varieties can be subtle but significant for both collectibility and value. For Walking Liberty halves, pay special attention to:

1916-D Micro D: The early Denver mint mark is significantly smaller than later issues. This variety is particularly rare and valuable, especially in higher grades.

1942-D Large D: In 1942, the Denver mint briefly used a much larger mint mark style. Finding this variety in high grade is exceptionally difficult due to heavy circulation of these coins.

1940-S Micro S: Similar to the 1916-D, some 1940 San Francisco issues feature a noticeably smaller mint mark that requires careful examination to identify.

1946 No Mint Mark: Philadelphia didn’t use a mint mark, but some 1946 halves show an extremely weak or nearly invisible mint mark position where the P would have been, creating an interesting variety for specialists.

Specific Errors to Look For

Beyond the common varieties, several specific errors can be found on Walking Liberty halves, each with its own appeal to error collectors:

Repunched Mint Marks (RPM): When the mint mark is punched into the die more than once, creating a shadow or doubling effect. The 1943-D and 1944-D are known for interesting RPM varieties that add character to these common dates.

Overdates: Though rare in this series, overdates occur when an old date is partially visible under the current date. The 1942/1-D is the most famous example and highly prized by variety specialists.

Wrong Planchet Errors: Occasionally, Walking Liberty halves were struck on incorrect planchets, including silver dime planchets or even foreign coin blanks. These errors are extremely rare and valuable, representing dramatic minting mistakes.

Off-Center Strikes: When the planchet isn’t properly centered during striking, creating a coin with missing design elements. The more dramatic the off-center strike (up to about 50%), the more valuable and visually striking the error becomes.

Authentication and Grading Considerations

When evaluating potential errors on Walking Liberty halves, remember that wear can sometimes mimic error characteristics. A worn die might create patterns that resemble doubling or repunching, requiring careful analysis to distinguish genuine errors from circulation effects.

For authentication, consider these tips:

• Use a quality loupe (10x minimum) for close examination of the coin’s surface
• Compare suspect coins against known genuine examples in reference guides
• Look for flow lines and luster that confirm the coin hasn’t been altered
• Seek professional authentication for potentially valuable varieties before making significant purchases

Value Guide for Key Varieties

Here’s a general guide to values for significant Walking Liberty half varieties in MS-65 condition, though prices can vary based on market conditions and specific eye appeal:

• 1916-D Micro D: $5,000-$15,000
• 1942 Double Die Obverse: $3,000-$8,000
• 1942-D Large D: $1,500-$4,000
• 1946 No Mint Mark: $2,000-$6,000
• 1940-S Micro S: $800-$2,500
• Significant die cracks/cuds: $200-$2,000 (depending on severity and visual impact)

Conclusion

The Walking Liberty half dollar series offers tremendous opportunities for error variety collectors. As one collector noted, completing a full MS or near-MS set is “certainly a marathon and not a sprint” – taking decades of patient searching and careful acquisition to build a truly remarkable collection.

Whether you’re examining a common date or chasing the elusive 1920-S (described by one collector as “a sore spot” due to a missed opportunity), remember that the joy of error coin hunting lies in the discovery itself. That 1937-D mentioned in our discussion, which later graded MS66, represents exactly the kind of hidden gem waiting to be found by careful examination and a trained eye.

Happy hunting, and may your magnifying glass reveal the next great Walking Liberty treasure!

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