RIP Abe: Reflecting on the End of the Lincoln Cent Era
June 7, 2025My Exploration into Why People Put Holes in Coins
June 7, 2025
Kicking Off with Walking Liberty Excitement
There’s just something about Walking Liberty Half Dollars that grabs me every time. With sunshine streaming through the window, I declared it Wonderful Walking Wednesday – a perfect chance to pull out my Walkers and chat about these beauties. From their graceful designs to the thrill of the hunt, let’s share some coin stories.
My Personal Walker Collection Stories
My Walker set grew like most collections do – through lucky finds and good trades. I’ll never forget spotting that 1943 Walking Liberty in my change one morning, still crisp enough to make my heart skip. Then there’s the worn workhorse I got in a swap, its surfaces telling tales of countless transactions.
- Best in Show: My 1934 Walker found in circulation might not be mint state, but its journey through history makes it priceless to me.
- Diverse Finds: I’ve mixed in tokens and other ‘walking’ coins too – keeps the collection fresh without turning it into homework.
Grading and Rarity Insights for Walkers
Walker grading keeps you humble – what looks sharp one day might show hidden marks the next. Take my PRF-66 piece with that mysterious green toning (probably from old storage) – a reminder that coins live in the real world. Then there’s my well-loved 1921-D: only 208,000 minted, a true prize among coins that actually circulated.
- Practical Tip: Always check those 1921 dates – even worn examples deserve attention in a set.
- Market Observation: Common Walkers in decent shape run $10-$20, but try finding a 1921-D in VG condition without opening your wallet wide!
Photography Tips for Capturing Coin Beauty
Snapping good photos of Walkers? I’ve wrestled with that! Getting Lady Liberty’s gown just right without glare takes patience. What works for me: soft natural light, plain backgrounds, and avoiding harsh shadows. For my short set, I’m still tweaking angles to catch that flowing gown – professional shots may be beyond me, but the chase is half the fun.
Dabbling in Gold and Precious Metals
Though Walkers own my heart, I’ve added some gold to the mix too. Found an intriguing $160 gold piece recently – not a coin, but it brings new sparkle to the collection. These yellow metals remind me there’s always something new to discover.
- Collecting Insight: Tossing in some gold or silver pieces helps balance things when markets get jumpy – small steps add up.
- Price Note: You can find interesting gold items under $200 if you keep your eyes peeled.
Wrapping Up with Collecting Wisdom
After my Wonderful Walking Wednesday, I’m reminded why we collect: it’s about the stories, not perfection. Whether you’re checking change for Walkers or eyeing gold, savor the hunt. Watch for those scarce dates, keep practicing your photos, and remember – every coin passed through history to reach you. Happy hunting out there!
