HomeUS CoinsThe U.S. Mint Just Brought Back This Iconic Coin. Here's What You...

The U.S. Mint Just Brought Back This Iconic Coin. Here’s What You Need to Know.

This is an image of the 1916 Walking Liberty Half Dollar Coin and Medal Set.
Image: United States Mint / CoinWeek.

The United States Mint continues its commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary with a nod to the past, announcing the return of an iconic piece of American numismatic history: the Walking Liberty. This historic reissue is the third in the “Best of the Mint” numismatic series, a collection celebrating five of the nation’s most cherished coin designs.

The new offering, set for release in 2026, is a unique set featuring a 1/2 oz 99.99% fine gold coin and a companion silver medal, both paying homage to the original 1916 Walking Liberty Half Dollar.

A Golden Tribute to American Ideals

Adolph Weinman’s timeless design, first introduced on the silver half dollar in 1916, captured the spirit of a nation. The obverse features a powerful and graceful Lady Liberty, draped in the American flag, striding confidently toward a rising sun. This imagery became a symbol of American progress and hope. The reverse depicts a majestic eagle perched on a mountain crag, ready for flight—a symbol of strength and freedom.

For decades, the Walking Liberty Half Dollar served as a workhorse of American commerce, circulating through some of the most defining periods in U.S. history, including the Roaring Twenties, the Great Depression, and two World Wars. Its enduring presence cemented its place in the hearts of collectors and the public alike.

This is an image of the Liberty Medal from the 2026 Walking Liberty Half Dollar Coin and Medal Set.
Image: United States Mint.

The 2026 reissue brings this iconic design to life in a new and luxurious form. The gold coin, struck in 1/2 ounce of pure gold, will be paired with a striking companion silver medal. The medal features a modern reimagining of Weinman’s design elements, rendered in a sophisticated art deco style that succeeded his neoclassical approach. The designs on the medal’s obverse and reverse seamlessly combine elements from the original coin to create a fresh, new artistic expression.

The United States Mint invites collectors and enthusiasts to explore the designs for the new 2026 Walking Liberty Half Dollar Gold Coin and Silver Medal Set, celebrating a legacy that continues to inspire one iconic coin at a time. This release is a testament to the enduring power of American ideals and the rich heritage of the nation’s coinage.

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13 COMMENTS

  1. That gold coin is fabulous! And the companion silver medal, oh my gosh. Awesome! These would be great pieces for any collector!

  2. This is my favorite design ever issued in US currency. To get another coin in gold with this design is awesome. The commemorative set from 2016 was great. Excited to see how this one comes out!

  3. Love these coins, however, they were just minted nine years ago as a 100 year anniversary of first mintage. Could there had be been other choices to pick from? i.e. our nation’s first coins.

  4. The designers of this particular US mint coin Walking Liberty Half Dollar is a true testament that the
    art of coinage design is a true master piece.

  5. Liberty Walking is hands-down one of the best designs to ever come out of the US Mint. It’s just a shame that AAW’s reverse didn’t make it onto the ASE like his obverse did It’ll be amazing to see this pairing minted one more time, even if only for a commemorative.

  6. AW is turning over in his grave. This is 8th grade level artistry at the best on the silver coin. Zoom in on it to see the ridiculous details. Why is Lady Liberty in a Judo pose? Her huge blocky hand (relatively speaking) unbalances the design, especially with it being so squared off and angular. Putting this coin beside the original design displays how comical looking it is next to one of the best designs ever. No talent. I legitimately have had 7th and 8th graders who could have done this. hit. AW went for realism (which takes a much more talented artist to do). The int should fire everyone there ecept the one that made the 2026 dime designs. They have ONE artist with verifiable talent.

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