Definition of a well-struck WLH

coastaljerseyguy

Been upgrading and looking at my completed WLH collection as I try to get AU-MS for all dates beginning with the 34P. More then half way there with my MS's grading on average MS63, although none higher then 64. Didn't realize how difficult it was to get a fully struck WLH even for these later dates. Luster usually not an issue. Wanted to get some feedback on what to look for as I continue my search.

On the obverse, besides a full head (clear definition of ear, hair curls, & cheek), clear thumb, complete skirt lines on hip and maybe on chest below the bosom, anything else? Obviously the date, sun, motto, etc being fully struck would be included which are normally not an issue. For the reverse, getting clear definition of the feathers on the lower left eagle leg appears to be an ongoing issue with dates

Anyway, here was the best of my lot, a 39P. Post your hammered WLH so I can see some well struck coins & be more objective going forward.

ChrisH821

Probably the best one I have

olympicsos

1936 has the best strikes in the series. Actually that's if you don't count the 2016 gold centennial.

ElmerFusterpuck

Like mentioned above, the 1936's from all 3 mints are well made, with the Philly mint being the most consistent. The 33-S and 1934's aren't too far behind. Here's my 1936-D, which I like to call truly hammered. My Philly and SF ones are right there with it.

Walkerfan

I shall stay with the 1936 theme:

1936-From the Dakota Collection

1936-S-Some weakness in the skirtlines but full thumb and head. ALSO, VERY ORIGINAL for those who care about unmessed-with Walkers!!

coastaljerseyguy

NIce coins all, thanks for sharing. My 36P is a very close 2nd to my 39.

Elcontador

A one size fits all definition doesn't work for the series. Some coins often have good strikes, others, like some of the 1940s coins struck in San Francisco, do not.

Think of it like SLQs. The 1917 P type 1 is usually hammered. Re Type 2 coins, the best strikes are in the early P mint coins. Finding a later date or a branch mint FH coin which is fully struck is very difficult.

FlyingAl

This proof has an exceptional strike:

(I know MS is probably implied, but having a PF example to base an opinion off of is a good idea)

Walkerfan

@Elcontador said:
A one size fits all definition doesn't work for the series. Some coins often have good strikes, others, like some of the 1940s coins struck in San Francisco, do not.

Think of it like SLQs. The 1917 P type 1 is usually hammered. Re Type 2 coins, the best strikes are in the early P mint coins. Finding a later date or a branch mint FH coin which is fully struck is very difficult.

True. Walkers are similar.

Early P mints Walkers-1916-1921 are usually struck Well.

WLH coins struck from 1923-1929 out of San Francisco are strike rarities. The 1929-D is also tough.

The 1933-S is an exception, as it was usually well struck up.

Also, P mints of the 1930s are well struck up, whereas Denver and San Francisco coins of the 1930s are NOT. My 1936-S is an anomaly.

Philly and Denver coins of the 1940s are well struck up, too, whereas S-minted coins of the 1940s are flatter than a pancake, in most instances.

Much like SLQs, Walkers are RARELY struck up nicely in ALL areas....It is often a give and take scenario.

neildrobertson

@FlyingAl said:
(I know MS is probably implied, but having a PF example to base an opinion off of is a good idea)

I regularly use proofs as a reference for strike in other types. It definitely belongs in this type of conversation.

acloco

Left hand definition is the key to HAMMER Walkers.

batumi

@Walkerfan said:
I shall stay with the 1936 theme:

1936-From the Dakota Collection

1936-S-Some weakness in the skirtlines but full thumb and head. ALSO, VERY ORIGINAL for those who care about unmessed-with Walkers!!

Nice coins, Walkerfan. '36-s are a lot harder to come by with a full struck hand than many realize. It was the final find for my 'intermediate' set.

ElmerFusterpuck

Just remembered I started a thread about 1936 Walkers that were hammered. My P, D and S are all hammered and grade MS-66:

https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/1061372/1936-a-year-when-walkers-were-hammered#latest

FrankH

MS66

PR65

Walkerfan

@batumi Thanks. How peculiar, as the 1936-S was the last intermediate date that I was able to find, too. Finding a fully original example was SHEER LUCK, however. It is CAC stickered, too.

ricko

The WLH coins are a personal favorite of mine. As a kid, they were common change, but not common in a kid's pocket. @FlyingAl that is a beautiful proof. And @FrankH ... That 1942 is impressive.... Cheers, RickO

FrankH

I've handled a few bags.

batumi

@Walkerfan said:
@batumi Thanks. How peculiar, as the 1936-S was the last intermediate date that I was able to find, too. Finding a fully original example was SHEER LUCK, however. It is CAC stickered, too.

1935-S is really tough with any hint of the left hand. I chose a nice well struck MS-64 on this one figuring I would upgrade in the future if an attractive well-struck one came along. It hasn't yet