1919-D 50C MS66 PCGS....

Click the image to load the highest resolution version.

Sold on Apr 30, 2009 for:

$253,000.00 Bid Source: Live: Floor bidder

Get one of these:

Share this lot

Track Item Printable Auction Results

Sell One of These

Description

Auction Info

Guides & Info

Description

The Single Finest Certified 1919-D
Walking Liberty Half, MS66

1919-D 50C MS66 PCGS. Armistice Day, November 11, 1918, finally marked the end of World War I. Since 1914, much of America's economy had been bolstered by manufacturing and production for the war effort. Now, due to the slackening need for war-related supplies, the economy began to soften as the United States entered a period of isolationism. Congress passed the Volstead Act, a.k.a. "Prohibition," the prohibition of manufacture of alcoholic beverages. Imports and exports of all goods dropped noticeably.
Several years earlier, President Theodore Roosevelt was disgusted with the coin designs in circulation at the time and made it his mission to have all the coinage redesigned. Roosevelt was especially interested in gold coinage, but his wishes also brought about the Lincoln cent in 1909, the Buffalo nickel in 1913, and silver coins, all in 1916. Adolph A. Weinman, the designer of the Mercury dime, also prepared the half dollar design. Many consider it one of the most beautiful silver coins ever produced by the U.S. Mint and one of the two most beautiful of all coinage designs, along with the Saint-Gaudens double eagle. Even our present government gave a nod to those designs, choosing each for the recent American Eagle gold and silver coins introduced in 1986.
At the time, a discussion of the new designs appeared in the Annual Report of the Director of the Mint:

"The design of the half dollar bears a full length figure of Liberty, the folds of the Stars and Stripes flying to the breeze as a background, progressing in full stride toward the dawn of a new day, carrying the branches of laurel and oak, symbolical of civil and military glory. The hand of the figure is outstretched in bestowal of the spirit of Liberty. The reverse of the half dollar shows an eagle perched high upon a mountain crag, his wings unfolded, fearless in spirit and conscious of his power. Springing from a rift in the rock is a sapling of mountain pine, symbolical of America."

It was this commentary that prompted some to suggest various names for this coin: Liberty Walking; Liberty Striding; Walking Liberty; and Striding Liberty.
Among half dollars coined in the 20th century, the 1919 issues remain as some of the (conditionally) rarest. The Denver facility produced just 1.1 million coins; most of them were subsequently well worn from years in the channels of commerce, and during the Great Depression preceding the next World War. It is generally accepted among enthusiasts that the 1919-D is the rarest Walking Liberty half dollar at the fully struck Gem level of preservation.
The strike is the focal point on these often-soft issues. Although not absolutely full, on the present example there is clear definition of the thumb on Liberty's left hand. Her head is sharp, with only the most minor softness on the highest point, and her skirt lines are fully visible to the knee. Each feather is well delineated on the typically weak eagle's breast. The surfaces are smooth and satiny overall. For pedigree purposes we identify a few microscopic marks that are present but do not detract from the coin's amazing appearance: A group of tiny milling marks is present in the right field adjacent to the folds in Liberty's cape, and several ticks are seen on the eagle's lower legs. Both sides present a glistening snow-white appearance and are smooth and completely unspotted. The luster of this coin parallels the remarkable strike--intense and uninterrupted throughout.
We strongly encourage collectors who appreciate rarity, technical quality, and originality to be prepared to enter strong bids when this unsurpassable Premium Gem example crosses the auction block. This is the only MS66 PCGS example, and NGC has never certified one in such a lofty grade (2/09). It is the single finest certified 1919-D half dollar.
Ex: Heritage (11/2004), lot 6903.
From The Joseph C. Thomas Collection.(Registry values: N14284)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 24PZ, PCGS# 6578, GSID# 6719)

Metal: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
Weight: 12.50 grams
ASW: 0.3617oz
Mintage: 1,165,000

View all of [The Joseph C. Thomas Collection, Part One ]

View Certification Details from PCGS