The Year Is 1942 ..
The world powers that be are in turmoil COM Ma deeply entrenched in World War II. Germany attempts to take Moscow, Japanese war planes bomb Manila, Japanese invades Burma, the Nazis begin mass transport of Jews to Concentration camps, on June 12, 1942 Anne Frank makes her first entry into her new diary her 13th birthday, As well as many many many many many other war related things are going on in the world.
But there are also other things going on in 1942, non-war related. Casablanca premieres in Hollywood Theatre in New York City, Henry Ford patent a Plastic automobile, Harrison Ford is born on July 13, and the infamous ball in Times Square isn’t dropped for the first time but instead a moment of silence is held.
The Silver Coin
On a different note .. also during 1942, the Walking Liberty Half Dollar was still being minted. It would be five more years of minting this coin before it would be replaced by the Franklin half dollar beginning in 1948. I am drawn to Weinmanns design of Liberty walking towards the sun. What a brilliant design that has been used not only on the 50 Cent piece but also the American silver eagle. The best part is that I happen to have one in my collection.
The Obverse
I feel as though this is one of the most beautiful U.S. coins. The only coin that comes close in my eyes is the silver peace dollar. I really enjoy the full length figure of Liberty; slowing down, stars and stripes, Laurel and oak. My coin is in very fine shape for having been in circulation. There is some wear at the highest points in the relief. For example, right down the center of Liberty's body. This is where I usually see the most wear.
Despite the wear, scratches, and dents, she is a fine coin that suits my collection well.
The Reverse
To match the obverse full length Liberty design, found on the reverse is a full length eagle! She is a very stately eagle, perched on a mountain top rock, with a young sapling pine to the left. It appears as if the sapling is growing out of a fissure in the stone. Such beauty and detail from edge to edge!
Some of the same wear can be seen on the reverse, as was seen on the obverse of the coin. The eagle has plenty of detail left to be enjoyed, but wear can be seen on her forward most leg, edges of the wings, and portions of the stone. The 'S' mint mark can be found to the lower left below the young pine tree, and the designers initials at the opposite side of the rock. To tie it all together, the entire design is framed out by a nice thick border along the edge.
This coin was nicely struck as well.. almost darn near centered. Just a bit off.
The Edge
The beautiful reeded edge, is simple in design yet serves the important purpose of protecting the high relief design. I have heard that Weinmanns high relief design had to be tweaked in order for the coin to be usable after mintage. It had to be lowered a bit. Boy would I have loved to see and hold that super high relief design. Oh well.
Such a good balancing act!
I don't know exactly how many Walking Liberty's I own ..
But one more never hurts! I don't think I could possible collect enough of these exquisitely, beautiful coins. Just one more ~ I'm Lying .. It will always be just one more.
Additional Info On The 1942 Silver Walking Liberty
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