2016-W 1/2 oz Gold Walking Liberty Half Dollar Coin PCGS SP70 First Strike

The 2016-W 1/2 oz Gold Walking Liberty Half Dollar Coin PCGS SP70 First Strike stands as one of the most celebrated modern commemorative gold issues produced by the United States Mint. Released in 2016, this remarkable coin marked the 100th anniversary of the original Walking Liberty Half Dollar, first issued in 1916 and designed by Adolph A. Weinman, one of America’s most revered sculptors. The centennial gold release was part of a three-coin series that also included tributes to the Mercury Dime and the Standing Liberty Quarter, all struck in .9999 fine gold to honor their 1916 silver counterparts. Issued from the West Point Mint, as indicated by the “W” mintmark, the gold Walking Liberty was an instant success among collectors, admired for its historic design, exceptional craftsmanship, and limited mintage. The “PCGS SP70 First Strike” designation denotes a flawless specimen certified by the Professional Coin Grading Service and recognized as one of the earliest coins struck and released, ensuring superior quality and sharpness of detail. It embodies the perfect fusion of historical artistry and modern minting technology, appealing to both numismatists and investors seeking a tangible link to one of America’s most iconic coin designs.

The origin of this commemorative issue lies in the enduring legacy of Weinman’s 1916 design, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful ever created for U.S. coinage. The Walking Liberty Half Dollar, which circulated from 1916 to 1947, symbolized freedom, progress, and the nation’s enduring optimism. When the U.S. Mint chose to celebrate its centennial in 2016, it sought to capture the spirit of the original design in pure gold, elevating it from a circulating coin to a collector’s masterpiece. This tribute was more than a nostalgic reissue—it was a technical and artistic achievement that honored the artistry of the early 20th century while showcasing the Mint’s modern precision. The 2016 gold Walking Liberty was issued with a weight of 1/2 troy ounce, a diameter of 27 millimeters, and struck in .9999 fine gold, a purity standard reserved for the most prestigious modern bullion and proof issues. Its release commemorated not just the centennial of a design but the broader tradition of American coinage that merges beauty, symbolism, and national identity. Collectors quickly recognized it as an essential piece within the U.S. Mint’s modern commemorative catalog, both for its aesthetic heritage and its limited production run.

The design of the 2016-W Gold Walking Liberty Half Dollar faithfully replicates Adolph A. Weinman’s original masterpiece from the early 20th century. On the obverse, Lady Liberty strides confidently toward the dawn, draped in the American flag with her right arm outstretched and branches of laurel and oak cradled in her left arm—symbols of civil and military glory. The rising sun behind her evokes renewal and progress, embodying the optimism of a nation emerging into a new century. The word “LIBERTY” arches above her, while “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears to her right and the year “2016” rests below. The reverse features a majestic eagle perched upon a rocky crag, wings partially spread, symbolizing strength and vigilance. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “HALF DOLLAR” encircle the image, faithfully echoing the original layout from the 1916 silver issue. Modern enhancements include the addition of the “W” mintmark, denoting the West Point Mint, and the use of a brilliant satin finish that accentuates the sculptural depth of Weinman’s original artistry. Every element was rendered in exquisite detail using modern dies and high-pressure striking techniques, resulting in a finish that captures both the grace and grandeur of the classic Walking Liberty motif.

The production and mintage of the 2016-W 1/2 oz Gold Walking Liberty Half Dollar were deliberately limited to preserve its exclusivity and collector appeal. Struck entirely at the West Point Mint, the coin benefited from the facility’s advanced technology and specialized staff who handle high-end commemorative and bullion coinage. The total mintage was capped at approximately 70,000 pieces, a relatively small figure compared to mass-produced bullion issues, ensuring lasting scarcity. Each coin was composed of 24-karat gold (.9999 fine) and struck with a special “specimen” or satin finish—an intermediate texture between proof and business strike, offering a refined, matte appearance that emphasizes fine details without excessive reflectivity. Coins qualifying for the “First Strike” designation were submitted to PCGS within the first 30 days of the Mint’s release, confirming they originated from the earliest, most sharply defined dies. Collectors particularly prize these examples for their crisp definition and historical association with the centennial celebration. The coins were originally sold directly by the U.S. Mint in elegant packaging, including a presentation case and certificate of authenticity, which underscored their commemorative significance and investment-grade quality.

The condition of this particular example, graded SP70 by PCGS, designates it as a perfect specimen—the highest grade achievable in numismatics. A coin graded SP70 displays no post-production imperfections under 5x magnification and represents the ideal blend of strike precision, luster, and surface preservation. Its flawless surfaces reveal the full artistry of Weinman’s design, with radiant golden luster accentuating every fold of Liberty’s gown and every feather of the eagle’s wings. The “Specimen” finish combines the fine grain of matte texture with the brilliance of modern minting, creating an elegant visual effect that distinguishes it from both proof and bullion formats. The “First Strike” label adds further prestige, signifying early release status from fresh dies, ensuring maximum clarity and strike sharpness. In this pristine state, the 2016-W Gold Walking Liberty Half Dollar is not merely a coin but a modern numismatic masterpiece—a fitting tribute to one of America’s most beloved designs. For collectors, investors, and historians alike, it represents a tangible link between past and present, encapsulating a century of artistic excellence and the enduring ideals of liberty and renewal that have defined the American spirit since 1916.