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The 2016-W 1/2 oz Gold Walking Liberty Half Dollar Coin, certified by NGC as SP70 with the Early Release designation, is a modern numismatic masterpiece that pays tribute to one of America’s most beloved coin designs. Issued by the United States Mint to commemorate the centennial anniversary of the original Walking Liberty Half Dollar, first released in 1916, this gold coin stands as part of a three-coin series also celebrating the Mercury Dime and Standing Liberty Quarter. These special centennial editions were struck in .9999 fine 24-karat gold and issued in their original denominations, with sizes and weights corresponding to their historical counterparts. The Walking Liberty Half Dollar is the largest and most visually commanding of the trio, rendered in exquisite high relief with a satin finish.
The obverse of the coin features the iconic image of 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. This design, originally created by Adolph A. Weinman, first appeared on the 1916 Walking Liberty Half Dollar and later became the inspiration for the modern American Silver Eagle. Liberty’s graceful figure, flowing garments, and outstretched arm evoke a spirit of progress and freedom. On the 2016 gold version, the finer details of the design—such as the folds of Liberty’s robe and the rays of the rising sun—are brought to life in stunning relief and clarity due to the advanced minting techniques used in the modern strike.
The reverse of the coin, also designed by Weinman, depicts a bold and powerful American eagle perched on a mountain crag with wings partially unfolded, as if preparing to take flight. A sapling of mountain pine, symbolic of America’s resilience, emerges from the rock, further anchoring the design in natural symbolism. The inscriptions include “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “HALF DOLLAR,” and “AU 24K 1/2 OZ.” A small “W” mintmark at the lower right denotes the coin’s production at the West Point Mint, one of the most advanced coining facilities in the world. The coin’s reeded edge and standard half-dollar diameter of 30.61 mm remain faithful to its classic roots.
What distinguishes this version from earlier or standard proof issues is its designation as a "Specimen" strike, or SP, which denotes a special satin finish applied under specific pressure and striking conditions to achieve a distinctive matte-like appearance. The coin’s surface is smooth and softly reflective without the deep mirrored fields of a proof coin. This gives the design a unique aesthetic—strikingly sharp yet warm in tone. The SP70 grade assigned by the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) means the coin is in perfect condition, with no post-production imperfections visible under 5x magnification. The “Early Release” designation signifies that NGC received the coin within 30 days of its official release, ensuring it comes from the earliest batches struck and distributed.
The coin was released on November 17, 2016, by the United States Mint and quickly sold out due to overwhelming demand. The maximum authorized mintage was limited to 70,000 coins, and all were struck to high standards at the West Point facility. Unlike other modern commemorative coins, this gold half dollar was not part of a multi-year series but rather a single-issue tribute. Its limited mintage, exceptional design pedigree, and gold content combine to make it one of the most desirable modern commemoratives issued by the U.S. Mint. The coin was originally offered in a presentation case with a certificate of authenticity, though this certified example has since been slabbed by NGC for preservation and marketability.
In terms of physical characteristics, the coin is struck from .9999 fine gold (24-karat) and weighs precisely 1/2 troy ounce, or 15.55 grams. It measures 30.61 millimeters in diameter, identical to the classic half dollar format. The high-purity gold gives the coin a radiant luster and a warm, rich color distinct from alloyed U.S. gold coins like the American Gold Eagle. The smooth satin surfaces highlight the fine detail of the devices, especially the feathers on the eagle and the drapery on Liberty, which appear almost sculptural thanks to the high-relief striking process. These qualities make the coin especially appealing to both bullion investors and traditional numismatists alike.
The 2016-W 1/2 oz Gold Walking Liberty Half Dollar in SP70 Early Release condition occupies a special place in modern U.S. numismatics. It bridges the gap between historical homage and contemporary minting innovation. Because of its perfect grade and early strike status, it ranks at the top tier of collector desirability. As time passes and more coins enter long-term collections, the availability of SP70 Early Release examples in the market diminishes, driving premiums higher. This issue is often sought after by collectors aiming to complete the 2016 centennial gold trio or by those specializing in U.S. gold commemoratives or Walking Liberty-themed designs.
Market values for this coin fluctuate based on gold prices and collector demand. However, SP70 Early Release examples typically command a significant premium over both melt value and raw, ungraded examples. As of recent trends, certified SP70 ER coins have traded in the range of $1,400 to $1,800, with specially labeled or signed slabs occasionally achieving higher prices. This pricing reflects both the numismatic appeal and the intrinsic value of the coin’s half-ounce gold content. Collectors also value the assurance that comes with NGC encapsulation, which preserves the coin’s pristine state and authenticates its grade and origin.
The Walking Liberty design is cherished for its artistry and symbolism, and its inclusion in this centennial tribute has elevated its appreciation among a new generation of collectors. The 2016-W gold version is the only official U.S. Mint issue to render the design in 24-karat gold and high relief, making it unique even among other tributes. For those who revere American numismatic history or who admire the legacy of Adolph A. Weinman, this coin serves as a modern homage to one of the most beautifully executed coinage designs in U.S. history.
In conclusion, the 2016-W 1/2 oz Gold Walking Liberty Half Dollar SP70 Early Release by NGC represents an outstanding blend of historic reverence and modern minting excellence. Its perfect grade, early release status, limited mintage, and elegant satin finish elevate it to elite status among contemporary U.S. gold coins. Whether held for its aesthetic beauty, its investment potential, or its commemorative significance, this coin is a standout piece that honors a century of American numismatic art with timeless style and precision.