Is Your Walking Liberty Half Dollar Real? How to Spot a Fake

The Authentication Challenge

With counterfeits flooding the market, knowing the specific diagnostic points for this iconic series is critical. Walking Liberty Half Dollars, minted from 1916 to 1947, represent one of the most beautiful and collectible series in American numismatics. However, their silver content and collector demand have made them prime targets for counterfeiters.

Historical Significance

Designed by Adolph A. Weinman, the Walking Liberty Half Dollar features Lady Liberty draped in the American flag, walking toward the rising sun on the obverse, while the reverse depicts a majestic eagle perched on a mountain crag. These coins were struck in 90% silver and 10% copper, weighing 12.50 grams with a diameter of 30.6mm.

Weight and Density Testing

Authentic Walking Liberty Half Dollars should weigh exactly 12.50 grams, with a tolerance of ±0.2 grams for circulated examples. Counterfeiters often miss this critical specification. When testing weight:

• Use a precision digital scale accurate to at least 0.01 grams
• Ensure the coin is clean and free from debris
• Compare multiple authentic examples to establish a baseline

Additionally, silver has a specific density of 10.49 g/cm³. While destructive testing isn’t recommended for valuable coins, density can be calculated by measuring volume through water displacement and comparing it to the weight.

Magnetic Properties

Authentic Walking Liberty Half Dollars are non-magnetic due to their 90% silver composition. This is one of the quickest authentication tests:

• Pass a strong neodymium magnet near the coin’s surface
• The coin should show no magnetic attraction
• Any magnetic response indicates a counterfeit, likely made from a magnetic base metal with silver plating

Die Markers and Design Details

Several key design elements require close examination under magnification:

Liberty’s Head and Drapery

Examine the folds in Liberty’s gown and the detail in her hair. Authentic coins show crisp, well-defined lines. Counterfeits often display mushy details or missing elements in these intricate areas.

The Eagle’s Feathers

The eagle on the reverse should have clearly defined feather detail. Pay special attention to:

• The separation between individual feathers
• The sharpness of the talons
• The clarity of the branch in the eagle’s grasp

Mint Mark Verification

Common mint marks include:

• No mint mark (Philadelphia)
• D (Denver)
• S (San Francisco)

Examine the mint mark for proper size, position, and style. Many counterfeits use incorrect mint mark styles or place them in the wrong position relative to the date.

Common Fakes and Variations

1916 Walking Liberty Half Dollar

The first-year 1916 is frequently counterfeited due to its rarity and value. Key diagnostics include:

• Proper mint mark style (none for Philadelphia)
• Correct date style and spacing
• Authentic toning patterns that match the era

1921-D and 1921-S

These low-mintage dates are common targets for counterfeiters. Look for:

• Proper die characteristics specific to these years
• Appropriate wear patterns for circulated examples
• Correct silver content verification

1938-D

While not as rare as some dates, the 1938-D is often faked due to its popularity. Authentication points include:

• Distinctive die characteristics of the 1938-D
• Proper mint mark style and positioning
• Appropriate strike characteristics for the Denver mint

Advanced Testing Methods

Specific Gravity Test

For a more definitive test, perform a specific gravity test:

1. Place the coin in a precise scale and record the weight
2. Hang the coin in water using a fine thread and measure the apparent weight
3. Calculate specific gravity using the formula: SG = weight in air / (weight in air – weight in water)
4. Authentic silver should yield a specific gravity of approximately 10.3-10.5

Sigma Metalytics Testing

Professional coin dealers use electronic testers like the Sigma Metalytics Precious Metal Verifier, which can detect the electromagnetic properties of different metals without damaging the coin’s surface.

Professional Grading Services

When in doubt, submit questionable coins to professional grading services like PCGS or NGC. These services provide:

• Authentication by expert numismatists
• Grading of condition
• Encapsulation in tamper-evident holders
• Market acceptance and liquidity

Visual Authentication Guide

Examine your Walking Liberty Half Dollar under 5x to 10x magnification, focusing on:

1. Edge reeding: Should be sharp and consistent
2. Luster: Authentic coins show original mint luster or appropriate toning
3. Contact marks: Should be consistent with the coin’s stated grade
4. Surface quality: Look for casting bubbles or unusual surface texture

Conclusion

Authenticating Walking Liberty Half Dollars requires attention to detail and knowledge of the series’ specific characteristics. By understanding weight specifications, magnetic properties, die markers, and common counterfeit characteristics, collectors can protect themselves from fraud. Remember that when dealing with high-value specimens, professional authentication is always recommended. The satisfaction of owning authentic pieces from this classic series is well worth the extra effort in verification.

Whether you’re working on completing a set like the collectors mentioned who’ve spent 15-30 years building their collections, or just starting your journey with Walking Liberty Half Dollars, proper authentication knowledge will serve you well throughout your collecting experience.

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