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The focal points for grading Walking Liberty Halves on the obverse are the hair above the temple, the right arm, left breast and left leg. On the reverse, the high points of the eagle’s head, breast, legs and wings
Walking Liberty Obverse
The first thing you should look for on an uncirculated coin is a break in luster. Luster is caused by light reflecting off the fine lines on the surface of the coin. If you tilt and rotate the coin you should notice a cartwheel effect. Rotating the coin will also allow you to check for surface damage and wear on the high points of the coin. You should look for contrast or a difference in color on the coins high points. These are the areas where the luster is first worn off.
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Walking Liberty Obverse
When a coin has been cleaned its luster will be disrupted. While the fields will be shiny and reflective, they will not be lustrous. They will lose the cartwheel effect that is noticed on a coin with original mint luster. When you examine the high points of the coin you may be able to detect wear.
On this coin, notice the breast has a slightly smooth appearance to it. The area just below the breast and above the hand is also slightly worn. Contrast these areas to the coin above.
Walking Liberty Reverse
On the reverse of this coin notice the luster and the details on the eagle. The high points are the eagle’s breast and head area. You should see full details in this area.
Walking Liberty Reverse
Notice the lack of luster on this coin. While it has a shiny and reflective appearance, it lacks the luster of the coin above. Also note the wear on the eagle’s breast. The scan is unforgiving and with the naked eye the coin shows just the slightest loss of detail in the center of the breast.
The first coin examined is a PCGS MS64 Walking Liberty Half. The bottom coin was being sold at a coin show as MS64. When submitted to PCI, it was graded as an AU50 Cleaned coin!
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