Home >> Collecting >> Coin Collecting

How do I Grade a 1944 Liberty Half-Dollar?

The half-dollar struck by the U.S. Mint from 1916 to 1947 is often referred to as the walking Liberty, because it features Lady Liberty in stride on its face. The coin's reverse side features a bald eagle with its wings spread. Designed by Adolph A. Weinman, this coin is made of 90 percent silver and 10 percent copper. It is highly prized by numismatists, especially in higher-quality grades. Determining the grade gives a collector an idea of its market value.

Things You'll Need

Magnifying glass

Instructions

- 1
  Examine the coin for blemishes, wear and luster. Classify it as "uncirculated," MS-60 only if it shows no trace of wear and has only light blemishes. The coin can have slightly impaired luster, but must have most of that fresh-from-the-mint shine.
- 2
  Check the lines on Liberty's head, breasts and knees, and on the eagle's head and claws. Coins with slight wear in these areas can be graded up to "about uncirculated," AU-50. Downgrade the coin to extremely fine, EF-20, if these areas contain a fair amount of wear. The lines on Liberty's skirt must still be sharp, however, for the coin to merit a grade as high as extremely fine.
- 3
  Grade the coin as "fine," F-12, if the skirt lines are still evident, but are worn in spots. The details of Liberty's sandal below "In God We Trust" must still be evident.
- 4
  Consider the coin "very good," VG-8, if only about half of the skirt lines are clear and the motto is distinct.
- 5
  Grade the coin "good," G4, if the motto is readable and the rim around the edge of the coin is distinct.

Coin Collecting