1918-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar. MS-65 (PCGS).A perfect blend of exceptional preservation and rich color makes this piece a stunning example to experience in-hand. The centers remain pearlescent and silvery, though the borders are painted by deepening autumnal hues that include orange, amber, magenta, and olive green. Uniformly lustrous and satiny, the surfaces remain smooth and unblemished to inspection and uphold full Gem quality. Only 5 coins rank finer at PCGS through MS-66. <p>Produced during the final year of World War I when the United States economy was still strong due to the nations participation in that conflict, the 1918-D had a generous mintage of 3.8 million pieces. The demands of commerce were great, however, and the vast majority of examples entered circulation at the time of issue and remained there until heavily worn or lost. The result is that the 1918-D is now numbered among the rarer Walking Liberty half dollars even in lower Mint State grades. The typical Uncirculated survivor is limited in grade by subdued luster, excessive surface abrasions and/or soft striking detail in and around the centers. Writing in the 2008 book C<em>collecting & Investing Strategies for Walking Liberty Half Dollars</em>, specialist Jeff Ambio ranks the 1918-D as the third rarest issue in this series at and above the MS-65 grade level.From the Anne Kate Collection.
