1923-S Walking Liberty Half Dollar. MS-65 (NGC).
A most impressive example of this conditionally challenging, early date S-Mint issue in the Walking Liberty half dollar series. Both sides of this solidly graded Gem are pleasingly smooth overall. A tad lightly struck in the centers, yet sharp to full elsewhere, softly frosted luster blankets all areas with a smooth, even texture. Untoned apart from delicate golden highlights, most angles reveal a brilliant coin. This is the rarest issue in Gem Mint State condition of the similar 1923-S, 1928-S and 1929-S trio, and hence brings a solid price. The mintage came in at 2,178,000 pieces for the year, as demand had slacked off with the sharp economic downtrend of the prior year. Thus, these tougher times meant fewer half dollars were saved, and this is born out in the surviving numbers. This memorable coin is worthy of an advanced collection and will certainly please any specialist for its surface quality and eye appeal.
PCGS# 6586. NGC ID: 24R9.
From our sale of the George Gardner Collection, November 2013 Baltimore Auction, lot 2096.