USA ½ dollar Walking Liberty 1938
USA, Denver
Rarity
Scarce
Attributes of Coins
| Region | USA |
|---|---|
| Denomination | ½ dollar |
| Krause number | KM# 142 |
| Mintage | 491,600 |
| Metal | Silver 0.900 |
| thickness | 1.8 mm |
| diameter | 30.6 mm |
| weight | 12.5 g |
Obverse:
Liberty
Creators:
Adolph Alexander Weinman (WA)
IN GOD WE TRUST
LIBERTY
Reverse:
Bird
Description:
Eagle
Creators:
Adolph Alexander Weinman (WA)
E PLURIBUS UNUM
HALF DOLLAR
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Introduction of Coins
The low mintage of this issue immediately sets it apart from other half dollars of the 1930s. This was the result of greatly slowed commerce during late 1937 and into 1938. Had such a small mintage occurred 15 or 20 years earlier this issue would now be quite rare in Mint State, but by this time collectors were following the monthly mint reports published in hobby journals. Hoarding was the order of the day, and 1938-D halves are scarce only in relation to other dates/mints of the period. Gems are fairly plentiful through MS-66. In his book on this coin series author Bruce Fox observed that 1938-D half dollars frequently are seen with die-polishing lines, and these should not be confused with hairline scratches on the coin. While such lines are distracting and may affect the grade of a particular specimen, they are a normal part of the minting process.Read More
