Help with a Walking Liberty Half-Dollar reference
keets
Posts: 25,351 ✭✭✭✭✭
About three years ago I arrived at a decision: working for my boss I was looking at ASE's daily, so it was hard not to become enamored by the beautiful design. I considered starting to stack some Silver but thought about it long enough to go in a different direction. If I bought the Eagles they would be hidden away somewhere till I decided to sell them --- BUT --- if I started a modest collection of Walkers I would have the same design except that I would pull the coins out for enjoyment. It seemed like a better way to go. After a few years of looking and making an occasional purchase I'm at a point where things are starting to gain steam and the coins are a little more reasonably priced.
What is the most up-to-date, authoritative reference for Walking Liberty Half-Dollars?? I think it is time for me to stop "flying blind" with self-education and trust what research can tell me about the series. Also, what's the best place to get the book(s) and who/what are some of your favorite sources??
One last thing, I'm trying to go with AU/XF through 1933 and MS after that. My preference is coins with tone/color or at least ones with a natural look to them if that makes sense. I know some of the early dates are expensive so those will be last. Post images and share stories if you choose!! 
Al H.
Comments
_
_Love the walkers, this is my set, crude but complete. I'm happy with it.
They got me started with the itch.
Jeff Ambio's book is probably the most recent, unless Bowers or someone put something out that I haven't seen.
I still like Bruce Fox's old book, especially if you are doing early date circs, as it sounds like you will be attempting.
Certainly the population data is old, but current data is readily available now from the TPG services.
My copy is marked and annotated with my own comments and observations.
Best of luck to you - feel free to reach out anytime to myself, Walkerfan, and others on the forum anytime you want to discuss this awesome series.
The Complete Guide To Walking Liberty Half Dollars Bruce Fox
A Guide Book of Mercury Dimes, Standing Liberty Quarters and Liberty Walking Half Dollars Q. David Bowers
Red Book Series #18
The Walking Liberty Half Dollar Anthony Swiatek
These are the ones I have.
I have the Swiatek book also, I do not recommend it....
I have only the Fox book....though I haven't looked at it in quite awhile.
Here's a coin that makes up for what it lacks in grade with a lot of non-ordinary character. (PCGS AU-53)
The Fox book may be free on the Newman portal, I think it was published by David Lawrence and they public-domained some of their stuff. It is a collectible, but maybe not as much as it used to be. I have some extra copies, I have no idea the going rate. Look around and PM me.
Going to toss up another one I like:
I HAD a 1917 in AU-58. While it's a pretty easy date, compared to most of the OTHER early dates, I didn't see a need to go higher. I'm an AU kind of guy, and it suited me just fine.
Then I stumbled onto this one. The combination of the attractive (to me) "dusty" toning, and a nice strike, made me upgrade to MS-63. Again, non-ordinary.....
Walkers are one of my 3 favorites series, so I applaud your decision.
I love buying them raw!
Here are a few of my raw buys I had graded, and am proud to have in my collection.
Nice '17. Darnfine upgrade.
Tommy, that's an interesting 1934. around 15 years ago I remember winning a 1934 in a club auction for about $20. the strike was so full you could see all the reverse leg feathers and the thumb/finger detail was as clear as your 1917 with a clean leg. I sent it to PCGS and they graded it AU58 so I must have missed something. I swore off Walkers but I'm glad I decided to try them again.
nice coins.
Latest is the Red Book Bowers offshoot.
A Barber Quartet is made up of Nickels, Dimes, Quarters, and Halves.
The WLH coins are a great series.... beautiful and big silver. I have not done a set, but have a few...Maybe if i decide to retire again I may do a series...One of my favorite silver coins... Cheers, RickO
Not recent but at least obscure...
Smitten with DBLCs.
Beautiful Walker......I love this coin!
I just purchased a 1908-D Dime in the same grade with pretty much the same look.
Actually for its time it was a pretty damn good book.
Mine is well-thumbed and annotated.