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The 2016-W 1/2 oz. Gold Walking Liberty Centennial Gold Coin SP70 with Jones signature is a remarkable modern commemorative struck to honor one of the most iconic designs in American numismatic history. Issued by the United States Mint in 2016 as part of the Centennial Gold Coin Program, this half-ounce gold coin pays tribute to the 100th anniversary of Adolph A. Weinman’s legendary Walking Liberty Half Dollar design. Struck in .9999 fine gold and bearing the West Point “W” mintmark, this coin combines historic artistry with modern minting excellence. Graded a perfect SP70 by a top-tier grading service and certified with a signature from Jones, a notable figure in numismatics, this coin stands at the pinnacle of modern gold commemoratives.
The obverse of the coin faithfully replicates Weinman’s original 1916 design featuring Liberty striding confidently toward the dawn of a new day. Draped in the American flag and carrying branches of laurel and oak, symbols of civil and military glory, Liberty’s figure exudes strength, peace, and optimism. Her right arm is outstretched, beckoning the future, while her flowing garments and the radiating sun in the background convey motion and vitality. The inscriptions “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” are rendered exactly as on the original, with the date “2016” placed at the bottom. Struck in specimen quality, the finish is satiny and smooth, distinct from both proof and bullion strikes, offering a refined matte texture with sharp detail and subtle luster.
The reverse features the bold and noble eagle, a design also created by Weinman. The eagle is shown perched on a rocky outcrop, wings slightly raised and claws firmly gripping the terrain. A sapling of mountain pine grows from the rock beside it, symbolizing resilience and the enduring American spirit. Surrounding the eagle are inscriptions reading “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “HALF DOLLAR,” “AU 24K,” and “1/2 OZ.,” clearly communicating the coin’s denomination, gold purity, and weight. The “W” mintmark, indicating the West Point Mint, is discreetly placed and adds to the collectible nature of the piece. Every feather, talon, and fold of terrain is struck in fine detail on this SP70 example, with no flaws or imperfections visible even under magnification.
This gold coin contains one-half troy ounce (15.55 grams) of .9999 fine (24-karat) gold and has a diameter of 27 millimeters. Its fineness is a notable departure from the original 90% silver content of the 1916 Walking Liberty Half Dollar and showcases the Mint’s capacity to produce high-purity collector coins. The edge is reeded, and the coin is struck with extra care in specimen quality, a hybrid of uncirculated and proof striking techniques that results in a beautiful satin-like appearance with bold, clear devices and smooth, non-reflective fields.
The 2016 Walking Liberty gold coin was issued as part of a trio of Centennial Gold Coins commemorating the Mercury Dime, Standing Liberty Quarter, and Walking Liberty Half Dollar, all of which debuted in 1916. Of the three, the Walking Liberty Gold Half Dollar was the largest, most intricate, and lowest-mintage issue, with only 70,315 coins struck. The U.S. Mint offered the coin directly to collectors in a black presentation case with a certificate of authenticity, and it quickly sold out due to the design’s immense popularity and the coin’s intrinsic gold value.
The SP70 grade signifies absolute perfection under 5x magnification, awarded only to coins with no post-mint blemishes, handling marks, or visible surface flaws. Grading services reserve this designation for coins with flawless strikes, exceptional eye appeal, and pristine surfaces. The addition of the Jones signature on the label further elevates the coin’s collectibility. While the exact identity of “Jones” may vary by series—possibly referring to a former Mint director, engraver, or legislative figure—the presence of an authorized signature adds authenticity, enhances provenance, and creates a niche collectible within an already limited population of perfect specimens.
Coins signed by respected figures in the coinage community are popular among collectors who appreciate the added historical and human dimension they provide. These signed labels help establish a personal connection to the production, design, or legislative history of U.S. coinage. When coupled with a grade of SP70 and a design as beloved as the Walking Liberty, the Jones signature elevates the coin into a premium-tier collectible suited for both long-term investment and display.
The coin's commemorative nature gives it a unique position within modern numismatics. It is not part of an ongoing series, making it a one-year-only issue. That exclusivity, along with the flawless strike, 24-karat gold content, and faithful recreation of one of America’s most admired designs, ensures that the coin holds broad appeal for collectors of classic coinage, modern gold, and U.S. Mint commemoratives alike. It is also frequently pursued by those building high-end registry sets or focusing on numismatic tributes to 20th-century American coin artistry.
The 2016-W Walking Liberty Gold Half Dollar exemplifies the U.S. Mint’s ability to honor its legacy through the use of modern technology and design fidelity. The decision to strike this historic design in 24-karat gold with a specimen finish was met with widespread acclaim. Collectors welcomed the opportunity to own a high-purity, flawless tribute to a coin that many regard as the most beautiful ever produced by the United States. This coin, with its Jones signature certification, stands as a particularly distinguished example within that commemorative framework.
In conclusion, the Certified 2016-W 1/2 oz. Gold Walking Liberty Centennial Gold Coin SP70 with Jones signature is a superbly struck and perfectly preserved homage to one of America’s most celebrated coin designs. Its perfect grade, low mintage, specimen finish, and official signature label make it a standout among modern gold issues. Whether acquired for its beauty, its connection to history, its flawless craftsmanship, or its investment potential, this coin remains an elite and enduring addition to any serious numismatic collection.