1918-S 50C Walking Liberty PCGS AU58

Key Features:

• Obverse:
  • The obverse features Lady Liberty walking toward the rising sun, draped in the American flag, with her right arm extended and holding branches of laurel and oak, symbolizing military and civil glory. The inscription “LIBERTY” appears along the top, and the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” is located to the right, with the date “1918” at the bottom.
• Reverse:
  • The reverse shows a majestic eagle perched on a mountain crag, with wings raised in a pose of vigilance and readiness. A small pine sapling grows from the crag, symbolizing strength and resilience. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”, “HALF DOLLAR”, and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” are also displayed on the reverse.
• Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper.
• Silver Content: 0.3617 troy ounces of silver.
• Diameter: 30.6 mm.
• Weight: 12.5 grams.

Grade:

• PCGS AU58 (Almost Uncirculated 58):
  • A coin graded AU58 is considered Almost Uncirculated, meaning it exhibits just the slightest signs of wear on the highest points of the design. An AU58 coin will have nearly full luster and appear almost like a Mint State coin, but upon close inspection, there will be small signs of light friction or wear on the highest points of the design, such as Liberty’s gown or the eagle’s wings.
  • This grade is often sought after by collectors because it offers the eye appeal of a higher-grade coin without the price premium of a true Mint State (MS) coin.

Historical Context:

• The 1918-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar was minted during a tumultuous time in U.S. history as the country was deeply involved in World War I. The coin’s design reflects themes of liberty and strength, symbolizing hope and resilience during a challenging period.
• The San Francisco Mint played a key role in producing coins for circulation, especially during the war when the demand for coinage was high. The “S” mintmark below the eagle on the reverse signifies that this coin was minted in San Francisco.

Mintage & Rarity:

• Mintage: The total mintage of the 1918-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar was 10,282,000, which makes it a moderately available coin, but its survival in higher grades is more limited.
• Rarity in AU58: While the 1918-S had a relatively large mintage, high-grade examples like AU58 are much less common due to the coin’s age and the wear they often sustained in circulation. The San Francisco Mint’s coins are often known for weaker strikes compared to those from Philadelphia, so finding a well-struck example with minimal wear, like an AU58, is particularly desirable.

Market Appeal:

• The Walking Liberty Half Dollar series is immensely popular among collectors due to its beautiful design, historical context, and silver content. The AU58 grade is particularly appealing to many collectors because it offers near-Mint State quality at a more affordable price.
• The 1918-S date is considered somewhat scarcer in high grades, which adds to the desirability of this particular coin. While it is not the rarest date in the series, finding an example with such limited wear and strong eye appeal can make it a key addition to a collection of Walking Liberty Half Dollars.

Investment Potential:

• Walking Liberty Half Dollars are widely collected, and their investment potential is strong due to their historical significance, silver content, and iconic design. Coins graded AU58 often see steady demand from collectors who appreciate the near-Mint condition without the premium associated with higher Mint State grades.
• The 1918-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar in AU58 is a great investment for those interested in early 20th-century U.S. silver coinage, particularly given the coin’s link to the World War I era and its collectible nature.

Conclusion:

The 1918-S 50C Walking Liberty PCGS AU58 is a fantastic coin for collectors and investors alike. Its iconic design, historical significance, and high-grade condition make it an attractive piece. While it shows the slightest wear, the AU58 grade ensures it retains most of its original luster and detail, offering a nearly Mint State appearance at a lower price point. This coin would make a strong addition to any collection of U.S. silver coinage, particularly for those focused on the Walking Liberty Half Dollar series.

 

G-4 Good- Scant Rim. LIBERTY on shield worn off. Date and letters legible.

VG-8 Very Good- Rim fairly defined. Some letter in LIBERTY evident.

F-12 Fine– LIBERTY complete, but weak.

VF– Very Fine– LIBERTY mostly sharp.

EF-20 Extremely Fine- LIBERTY entirely sharp. Scroll edges and clasp distinct.

AU-50 About Uncirculated- Slight trace of wear on Liberty’s breast and knees, and on eagle’s head, claws, and wing tops.

MS-60 Uncirculated- No Trace of wear. Light blemishes.

MS-63 Choice Uncirculated- Some distracting contact marks or blemishes in prim focal areas. Impaired luster possible.

PF-65 Gem Proof- Brilliant surfaces with no noticeable blemishes or flaws. A few scattered, barely noticeable marks or hairline possible.