A big/small design dilemma and my solution.
keets
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Since I work for a small Coin Shop I am afforded the opportunity to see things that average collectors like me don't see and I'm also exposed to the bustling Bullion trade. That means I get first shot on new items and I also do a lot of hands-on business with ASE's. About two years ago I became struck by the beauty of the Walking Liberty design. Thus began my dilemma of whether to collect it in the small design or the larger design.
As is my habit, I thought about it for awhile. At first I figured it might be prudent to put back some tubes of Eagles. Then I looked around online at some Walkers and realized that both a tube of ASE's and a nice Walker would cost about the same thing, depending on the date and grade, somewhere about $375 on average. My thinking with Walkers was XF/AU58 on earlier dates through 1933 and MS64-66 on dates starting in 1934.
A little over a year ago I decided that the Walkers would be more fun and satisfying. The tubed ASE's might be a better short term item, but I would never look at them after purchase and then always be wondering what they were worth. Exactly the opposite with the Walkers --- I enjoy looking at them and don't concern myself with their price after I buy them.
Then a funny thing happened about 4-5 months ago. Apparently there was a National Promotion of some kind going on for quite a number of years that was sustaining the price of Proof ASE's. Since that time the price has fallen for all but 2-3 dates from $50 all the way to $30. About a month ago I started to buy them, I think I have four right now and will continue till I have a date run. I still don't look at them like I do with the Walkers but the beauty of a nicely frosted, deep mirrored ASE is a thing to behold, Weinman's design seen at its pinnacle of execution.
I also have about 6-7 Walkers so far. I can't recall the dates but there are a couple in PCGS plastic, one each NGC and ANACS and a couple raw. I look at them and smile!! 
Al H.
Comments
Your first thought was the best.
Nice 1916!
Smile you should! The Walking Liberty design is one for the ages. While it is nice to view it on ASE's, I am inclined to look at the originals more. There is a sense of nostalgia that I glean from them as I hold them.
Coins today are flat, over produced, and boring.
Money is money. But money in the hands of a clueless and uncaring society is just plain depressing.
Pete
The problem with the ASE is that they don't have that beautiful reverse found on the 50c. That's the best rendition of the Bald Eagle in U. S. coinage IMO. I think you made the right choice.
I agree. I remember that eagle the most being a young kid and looking at Grandpa's coin accumulation and thinking it was cool. I must say it still is one of my faves.
I also recall talking with him in the late 80s and dreaming of what our coinage might look like in 2000 after they update the designs. Boy was I disappointed!!
Great post.
Here's a warning parable for coin collectors...
I agree with all of your points. Thanks for the post!
Fan of the Oxford Comma
CCAC Representative of the General Public
2021 Young Numismatist of the Year
Walking Half Liberty's are among the most beautiful 20th century coins.
Some day I will complete a set. For now I have just a few.
Lance.
Walkers > ASEs.
Just my .02
even though the Walking Liberty design was issued just prior to WWI it has always struck me as a very optimistic design.
The Walking Liberty Half is a personal favorite - made more significant by the fact that they were in common use when I was a kid.... always loved the feel of 'big silver' and the design is outstanding. Yes, the obverse of the ASE is awesome, when in CAM especially....and though I like the reverse, the eagle on the half is the best. Both are super but the WLH, IMO, takes the prize..... Nice coin Al... Cheers, RickO
Great post, I enjoy collecting the WL halves and have a short set and a few others in plastic.
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Nobody says you can't do both, large and small. The Walkers are my favorite coin design also. Here are two of my raw Walkers on a belt buckle.
Thanks for sharing,
Donato
Donato's Complete US Type Set ---- Donato's Dansco 7070 Modified Type Set ---- Donato's Basic U.S. Coin Design Set
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That is a gorgeous 1917, lkeigwin.
Walkers were commonplace when I was a kid, too. I once found a 1917-S rev in AU.
That Eagle on the Walker sure looks like he commands respect
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Just look at his stance...........he is not backing down from anything or anyone
Successful transactions with : MICHAELDIXON, Manorcourtman, Bochiman, bolivarshagnasty, AUandAG, onlyroosies, chumley, Weiss, jdimmick, BAJJERFAN, gene1978, TJM965, Smittys, GRANDAM, JTHawaii, mainejoe, softparade, derryb, Ricko
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Makes sense to me.
WS