The United States Mint continues its commemorative program for the 250th anniversary of the nation's independence with the release of the Best of the Mint 1916 Walking Liberty Half Dollar Gold Coin and Silver Medal Set . This set brings together a 24-karat gold coin inspired by one of the most iconic designs in American numismatics and a silver medal with a contemporary artistic reinterpretation, making it one of the most striking issues in the series.
Image from US Mint
A tribute to one of the most iconic designs in American numismatics
The Walking Liberty Half Dollar, originally introduced in 1916, is considered one of the most admired designs in U.S. coin history. As part of the Best of the Mint series , the Mint selected this coin to honor its legacy during the Semicentennial celebrations.
The Best of the Mint collection consists of five historic American designs reinterpreted in 24-karat gold coins, accompanied by silver medals with modern designs inspired by the original pieces.
Gold coin design
The gold coin reproduces the famous design of the Walking Liberty Half Dollar.
Obverse
The obverse depicts Liberty advancing to the left as the sun rises over the horizon. The figure holds laurel and oak branches, traditional symbols of strength and victory, while the American flag waves behind her.
Registrations include:
- LIBERTY
- IN GOD WE TRUST
- 1916
As a distinctive element of this commemorative edition, it incorporates a special private mark with the Liberty Bell and the number 250 , in reference to the anniversary of the independence of the United States.
Image from US Mint
Reverso
The reverse features an eagle standing on a rock formation with its wings outstretched. From a crack in the rock grows a small pine tree with cones and needles, one of the characteristic elements of the original design.
The legends include:
- UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
- E PLURIBUS UNUM
- HALF DOLLAR
Image from US Mint
The silver medal offers a modern artistic interpretation
The set also includes a one-ounce silver medal that doesn't exactly replicate the classic design, but rather reinterprets it in an Art Deco style , an artistic movement that succeeded Neoclassicism and is characteristic of the sculptor Adolph A. Weinman. Instead of faithfully reproducing the Walking Liberty Half Dollar, the medal takes its most representative elements and transforms them into a completely new composition.
Obverse
The obverse pays homage to Weinman's original design by depicting Liberty striding forward with his right arm extended, while holding branches in his left. The figure retains the sense of movement and optimism that made the 1916 Walking Liberty famous, albeit reinterpreted with more stylized lines and an Art Deco aesthetic. The landscape and rising sun serve as the starting point for a scene that unfolds across the entire medal.
Image from US Mint
Reverso
The reverse seamlessly continues the landscape begun on the obverse, creating a continuous composition between both sides of the medal. Above the horizon appears an eagle in full flight, a traditional symbol of freedom and strength, which adds dynamism to the design and establishes a visual link with the eagle on the original 1916 coin. This integration between obverse and reverse transforms the medal into an artistic piece conceived as a single scene.
Image from US Mint
Set specifications
Gold coin
- Name: Half Dollar
- Finish: Uncirculated
- Composition: 99.99% Gold
- Fine weight: 0.500 troy ounces
- Diameter: mm 27.00
- Mint: West Point
- Song: Striated
Silver medal
- Finish: Uncirculated
- Composition: 99.9% Silver
- Weight: 1 troy ounce
- Diameter: mm 40.60
- Mint: Philadelphia
- Singing: Smooth
Availability and emission limits
The Mint announced that this product will be available starting August 6, 2026 at 12:00 pm (Eastern Time).
The Best of the Mint 1916 Walking Liberty Half Dollar Gold Coin and Silver Medal Set represents a blend of tradition and innovation. While the gold coin keeps alive one of the most iconic designs in American numismatics, the silver medal offers a contemporary take inspired by the original. Its limited issue, precious materials, and connection to the United States' 250th anniversary make this set one of the highlights of the United States Mint's commemorative program.
Visit the official website to learn all the details about the set:
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