I was at a coin show yesterday, first one in about a year, and looking for something to catch my eye that was 'affordable', higher quality, slabbed, and not as modern a coin as I had been collecting --- i.e., earlier than most Jeffies, Franklin halves, Ikes, and Washington quarters. Something more classic and with a great design. Maybe even one that might be either a base coin quality for starting a selection, or as part of a bigger type set. An opportunity to enjoy something new. Anyways, I found a beauty that is very similar to this image (not my actual coin). I have not yet attempted to photo my new coins, and it may take awhile as I now have some issues that make it difficult for me to get sharply in-focus images, and turn all my photography into a huge guessing game. Oh, well.... But the similarity is that it is of this quality and year and brilliance. And not a drop of toning....it is pretty much blast white. So mine is a MS65 1945D. I looked real good at it and no way it can slide up to a higher grade, so it will definitely be kept imprisoned while I own it. Love to hear from others who collect these and what you appreciate the most for collecting them.
Along with thousands of other collectors, Walking Liberty halfs (in addition to the Morgan and Buffalo nickel) are arguably the most popular American coin. Short sets (from 1941 to 47) give the collector a goal that is attainable and affordable. Your 1945 D had a mintage just south of 10M. The early dates are another story all together, especially the 21D, 21S and 19D being very elusive. The 38D (with a skimpy mintage of 492K) is another challenge. Here's a 38D that I was very lucky to get. (Your thread gives me a chance to show it off!) Best of collecting to all.
The 1940-47 date range makes for a really nice and affordable short set in mint state. I would caution the S minted coins of 40 and 41 are tough to find nicely struck and at a suitable grade level. They get pricey above 64.
I just bought a beautiful 1945-D WLH dollar earlier today. This is not my first high grade WLH, but probably the one with the nicest colors
Yes...here it is next to a MS66 that is BRIGHT silvery. I would describe the 38D as champagne gray toning?? Sorry for the terrible pics...I need help from @jtlee321
