Finished my 1936-1942 Walking Liberty Half Proof PCGS+CAC Set ✅
P0CKETCHANGE
Posts: 2,560 ✭✭✭✭✭
I bought my first WLH Proof in Feb 2021, a 1941 PR67 CAC to serve as my type set example. The flashy coin with original haze/toning was one I kept returning to, and later that year I casually embarked on assembling the 7-coin set of these. My criteria was PCGS+CAC, and retaining the original haze and/or iridescent toning that these coins picked up from being stored in their original packaging. CAC does sticker blast white examples, but they seem to prefer this look.
It's only a 7-coin set and these aren't rare by any means, but the restrictions of prior CAC-approval plus the surface characteristics forced patience. The 1936 is by far the scarcest of the issues, and I tracked my example down after perusing CoinFacts, seeing an example that fit my requirements, and then messaging the owner of the Registry set it was in and coming to terms in private treaty. If not for that, I might still be looking for the key date.
I recently sent the entire set to @FlyingAl for a photography session, and I couldn't be more pleased with how Alex captured the originality of the coins. Many collectors may prefer blast, brilliant white surfaces for these proofs, but I think the character of this "look" makes these special and stand out from the crowd. All of the photos below (and the 1936 above) were taken by Alex.
While my amateur photography leaves a lot to be desired, here's a group photo of the 7 sisters:
The set is currently ranked #10 in the PCGS Registry for CAC-approved examples. @winesteven has a beautiful blast white set that's ranked #5. I highly recommend this set to anyone who likes proof coins or Walkers!
Nothing is as expensive as free money.
Comments
Very nice! WTG!!
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
Todd - BHNC #242
Really Gorgeous set! Love the originality of all these! Great photos by @FlyingAl too.
That's a beautiful set!
Congratulations on putting this set together.
Hopefully it will inspire others to do this set.
Wayne
Kennedys are my quest...
That is impressive, Eric. Congratulations on such a spectacular set. So refreshing to see a completed set all with the same toning hues. Thank you for sharing.
Jim
When a man who is honestly mistaken hears the truth, he will either quit being mistaken or cease to be honest....Abraham Lincoln
Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.....Mark Twain
Congratulations on the completion of your set. Quite the endeavor. I have also been in the pursuit of completing this set in PR-67, but without the toning. I'm more than half way there, but stalled as I have not been able to find the right ones to fit this set. Again congrats! Zack
Lovely and unique set, well done!
Chopmarked Trade Dollar Registry Set --- US & World Gold Showcase --- World Chopmark Showcase
Very original set!
Coin Photographer.
@FlyingAl superb slab shots!! 💯
Nothing is as expensive as free money.
You did a phenomenal job in putting together your gorgeous set! As you indicated, you imposed two significant hurdles - having that great eye appeal that most serious collectors prefer, and finding those coins in the grade you want (with the eye appeal you want), and that each merit a CAC sticker!
Enjoy. and kudos!!!!!!!!
Steve
My collecting “Pride & Joy” is my PCGS Registry Dansco 7070 Set:
https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/type-sets/design-type-sets/complete-dansco-7070-modified-type-set-1796-date/publishedset/213996
Nice set!
Beautiful set and remarkable achievement!
I have often thought of putting a proof Walker set together, as those are coins that I've never obtained but have always admired.
But, I keep getting pulled in other numismatic directions. Maybe SOMEDAY...
Congrats!!
Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍
My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
BTW Eric, what is the best organized article/book, in your opinion, that would offer a good guide for these proof coins?
Jim
When a man who is honestly mistaken hears the truth, he will either quit being mistaken or cease to be honest....Abraham Lincoln
Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.....Mark Twain
Nice, I like 👍
I would like to answer your question! I think this book is great!
https://wizardcoinsupply.com/united-states-proof-coins-1936-1942-eightieth-anniversary-edition
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
Pretty cool Walker proofs. What's not to like? Beautiful!!!
Dave
Love the set. Talk about a perfect design to capture in all its glory.
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
Nice set. What is that green check thing? Edit for mistype.
It’s just an emoticon meaning that he’s completed the task.
Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍
My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
Ok, I guess a Whitman filled with junk silver wouldn’t count.
Hell yea! I admire your set building efforts in making sure they all have the same “look”, you’re on a roll!
Founder- Peak Rarities
Website
Instagram
Facebook
A very nice looking matched set and appeared you had accomplish your goal in a short order considering the desire for the same look. I like the TV's without the back grounds ... a nice presentation. well done
OMG ... My Mother was Right about Everything!
I wake up with a Good Attitude Every Day. Then … Idiots Happen!
Congrats on completing the set, you have a discerning eye. And the photography by @FlyingAl is top notch!
"Bongo hurtles along the rain soaked highway of life on underinflated bald retread tires."
~Wayne
Very nice! Especially love that '36.
“In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock." - Thomas Jefferson
My digital cameo album 1950-64 Cameos - take a look!
Congratulations!
Nice!
That’s really a beautiful set from one of my very favorite US coin series.
Congratulations and thanks for sharing!
Happy, humble, honored and proud recipient of the “You Suck” award 10/22/2014
Congratulations on a superb set. No designer initials example for 41 and the floating finger for your excellent 37.
The photos (especially the full holder shots) show the set off beautifully. Wonderful set!
Bears mentioning again - the 37 looks to be a really great coin!!!
Congratulations on completing the set!
The ‘37 was the most challenging to find for me, and the last coin acquired. Thanks for pointing out both of those varieties, as I hadn’t even realized. I need to reread the very good reference book suggested in the comments.
Nothing is as expensive as free money.
So I’ve never heard of the 1937 with the floating finger variety. I’m working on the same set, so of course I had to look at mine and bingo. Looks like mine is the same. Are these common on ‘37? And was this caused by over vigorous polishing of the die? Any stats on this variety? Thanks for answers in advance.
The floating finger is not a recognized variety.
The “No AW” coins are.
Both are caused by drastic over polishing of the dies, which lead to a lack of detail in the final coin.
Coin Photographer.
Superb - excellent set.
"When they can't find anything wrong with you, they create it!"
Congratulations on completing your set. A great accomplishment.
https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/mysetregistry/set/172592