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The Certified 1943 Walking Liberty Half Dollar graded MS64 by PCGS represents a stunning combination of historic significance, artistic excellence, and numismatic appeal. Struck during the height of World War II, the 1943 issue is part of the beloved Walking Liberty Half Dollar series, which ran from 1916 to 1947. Designed by the renowned sculptor Adolph A. Weinman, the Walking Liberty series is considered one of the most beautiful and iconic coin designs in American history. The 1943 issue was produced in large numbers to meet the demands of a wartime economy, but finding high-grade survivors like this MS64 example with strong eye appeal and minimal marks remains an exciting achievement for collectors seeking premium representations of this classic coin.
The Walking Liberty Half Dollar was introduced in 1916 as part of a sweeping change in American coinage that emphasized artistic merit and national symbolism. Weinman's obverse design features Lady Liberty striding confidently toward the sunrise, draped in the American flag, carrying branches of laurel and oak symbolizing civil and military glory. The reverse depicts a majestic American bald eagle perched on a mountain crag, wings partially unfolded, with a sapling of mountain pine growing from the rock, representing the nation’s strength and resilience. The design captured the spirit of America and remains so admired that it was later reused for the obverse of the modern American Silver Eagle bullion coin first issued in 1986.
The obverse of the 1943 Walking Liberty Half Dollar showcases Lady Liberty in full motion, reaching out as the morning sun rises behind her. The details of the flag, Liberty’s flowing gown, and the laurel and oak branches are crisply defined on this MS64 example certified by PCGS. The inscriptions “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the date “1943” frame the design. On this particular specimen, the intricate folds of Liberty’s gown and the radiance of the sun’s rays are sharply struck, with bright, frosty luster throughout the fields and devices. MS64 quality ensures that while minor contact marks may be present under magnification, they are minimal and do not distract from the overall beauty of the coin.
The reverse depicts an eagle perched with powerful poise on a mountain crag, a small pine sapling growing beside it. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “HALF DOLLAR” encircle the eagle. The reverse strike on this MS64 example is strong, with the eagle’s breast feathers and talons rendered with impressive clarity. The fields are clean and lustrous, providing an attractive backdrop to the boldly detailed design. A fully struck reverse, such as seen on this coin, is especially desirable among collectors, as some issues of the Walking Liberty series are notorious for weak reverse strikes, particularly in the central areas of the eagle's body and wings.
The 1943 Walking Liberty Half Dollar was minted at three facilities: Philadelphia (no mintmark), Denver (D mintmark), and San Francisco (S mintmark). The coin being discussed here is from the Philadelphia Mint, identifiable by the absence of a mintmark, which would otherwise appear on the reverse below the branches. Philadelphia produced the highest number of half dollars in 1943, striking 53,190,000 coins. This high mintage was driven by wartime demands, as silver coinage was heavily used both domestically and abroad to facilitate commerce. While millions were produced, high-quality survivors like this PCGS-certified MS64 example are less common, given that many coins suffered from handling, bag marks, and storage abrasions over the decades.
The Walking Liberty Half Dollar is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, with a total weight of 12.50 grams and a diameter of 30.6 millimeters. These specifications were standard for U.S. half dollars from 1892 through 1964. The substantial size and silver content of the coin contribute to its desirability among both collectors and investors. Moreover, its beautifully executed design and historical resonance as a World War II-era coin make the 1943 Walking Liberty Half Dollar particularly appealing to a wide range of enthusiasts. The combination of art, history, and intrinsic value ensures that high-grade examples like this MS64 remain a staple in advanced collections of classic American silver coinage.
The MS64 grade assigned by PCGS places this coin firmly in the upper tier of uncirculated quality. According to the Sheldon grading scale, an MS64 coin is fully uncirculated with strong luster, excellent eye appeal, and only minor contact marks that are not readily apparent without magnification. On this 1943 Walking Liberty Half Dollar, the minor imperfections are limited to tiny ticks in the fields or subtle grazes in non-focal areas, typical of the grade but overshadowed by the coin’s overall sharpness, brightness, and beauty. PCGS encapsulation provides the added assurance of authenticity, grade integrity, and market liquidity, making this coin an attractive option for both collecting enjoyment and investment security.
In the broader context of the Walking Liberty series, the 1943 issue is relatively accessible compared to scarcer early dates or low-mintage issues like the 1921-D. Nevertheless, securing an example in MS64 condition with strong luster and clean surfaces elevates it beyond commonality. For collectors assembling a date set of Walking Liberties in Mint State grades, or for those focusing specifically on World War II-era coinage, a 1943 MS64 half dollar fills an important slot with distinction. Its condition ensures it will stand out in any set, offering visual impact and historical significance that lower-grade examples cannot match.
The historical backdrop of the 1943 Walking Liberty Half Dollar adds to its allure. Minted in the midst of the Second World War, this coin circulated during a time when the United States was fully mobilized for the global conflict. It evokes images of wartime America: victory gardens, rationing, factory work, and national unity. Each 1943 half dollar served not only as currency but also as a symbol of the country’s resilience and determination. Today, owning a high-grade example offers a tangible connection to that pivotal era, making the coin more than just a collectible—it becomes a piece of living history preserved in silver and protected by expert certification.
The Certified 1943 Walking Liberty Half Dollar MS64 PCGS is a beautiful, historically rich example of one of America’s most admired coin designs. It combines the enduring artistry of Adolph A. Weinman with the solid technical standards of mid-20th-century U.S. Mint production, captured in an outstanding state of preservation. With its gleaming luster, sharp strike, and minimal marks, this coin is an exceptional representation of a wartime classic and a highly desirable piece for collectors of American silver coinage. As part of the revered Walking Liberty series, it continues to inspire admiration and pride, securing its place in the numismatic and historical legacy of the United States.