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What is a Walking Liberty Silver Round?

A Walking Liberty Silver Round is a one troy ounce .999 fine silver bullion round featuring the iconic Walking Liberty design originally created by sculptor Adolph A. Weinman for the 1916-1947 U.S. Half Dollar. Unlike government-issued coins, these rounds are produced by private mints and carry no face value, making them an affordable way to invest in physical silver. Each round contains exactly 31.1035 grams of pure silver and typically measures 39mm in diameter. The Walking Liberty design depicts Lady Liberty striding confidently toward the sunrise, draped in the American flag while carrying branches of oak and laurel, symbolizing national strength and peace. These rounds offer investors the same silver content as American Silver Eagles but at significantly lower premiums over spot price.

Silver Content 1 oz (31.1035g)
Purity .999 Fine Silver
Diameter 39mm
IRA Eligible Yes*
Face Value None
Premium vs ASE 50-70% Lower

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Walking Liberty Silver Rounds a good investment?

Walking Liberty Silver Rounds are an excellent investment for both new and experienced precious metals investors. They offer the same one troy ounce of .999 fine silver as government-issued coins but typically trade at premiums 50-70% lower than American Silver Eagles. Their high liquidity, widespread recognition, and classic American design make them easy to buy and sell. Since they track closely with silver spot prices, they provide direct exposure to silver market movements without the higher numismatic premiums of collectible coins.

What is the difference between Walking Liberty rounds and American Silver Eagles?

The primary differences are issuer, legal tender status, and price. American Silver Eagles are minted by the U.S. Mint with a $1 face value and government backing, while Walking Liberty rounds are produced by private mints with no face value. Both contain one troy ounce of .999 fine silver, but Walking Liberty rounds trade at significantly lower premiums. American Silver Eagles feature the modern Walking Liberty design on the obverse and a heraldic eagle on the reverse, while Walking Liberty rounds vary in reverse design depending on the private mint.

Can I include Walking Liberty Silver Rounds in my IRA?

Yes, Walking Liberty Silver Rounds can be included in a Precious Metals IRA, but only if produced by IRA-approved mints. The IRS requires that silver bullion products meet minimum fineness standards of .999 pure silver, which Walking Liberty rounds satisfy. However, not all private mints are approved for IRA inclusion. When purchasing for an IRA, verify that the specific rounds you're buying are from an approved mint such as Golden State Mint or SilverTowne. Always consult with your IRA custodian before making purchases.

How can I verify the authenticity of Walking Liberty Silver Rounds?

Authentic Walking Liberty Silver Rounds can be verified through several methods. First, purchase only from reputable dealers like Anchor Bullion who guarantee authenticity. Physical verification includes checking weight (exactly 31.1035 grams), diameter (approximately 39mm), and thickness (about 2.8mm). The design details should be sharp and clear, not blurry or poorly struck. Many investors use a neodymium magnet test - silver is slightly magnetic and will slide slowly down an angled magnet. Professional verification tools include electronic precious metal testers and specific gravity testing.

Complete Specifications
Specification Details
Metal Content .999 Fine Silver
Weight 1 Troy Ounce (31.1035 grams)
Diameter 39 mm (varies slightly by mint)
Thickness Approximately 2.8 mm
Obverse Design Walking Liberty (A.A. Weinman)
Reverse Design Varies by mint (Eagle, Shield, or Mint Logo)
Face Value None (Bullion Round)
Mint Type Private Mints (Various)
Condition Brilliant Uncirculated (BU)
IRA Eligible Yes (from approved mints)
Typical Packaging Individual flips or tubes of 20

Walking Liberty Rounds vs. Other Silver Bullion Options

vs. American Silver Eagles

While both contain one troy ounce of .999 fine silver, Walking Liberty rounds offer significant cost savings with premiums typically 50-70% lower than American Silver Eagles. Eagles carry legal tender status and government backing but come at a premium. Walking Liberty rounds provide the same silver content and similar liquidity at a fraction of the cost, making them ideal for investors focused on accumulating maximum ounces. The classic Walking Liberty design on rounds closely resembles the Eagles' obverse, maintaining aesthetic appeal.

vs. Generic Silver Rounds

Walking Liberty rounds command slightly higher premiums than basic generic rounds due to their iconic American design and widespread recognition. Generic rounds may feature various designs or mint logos but lack the historical significance and instant recognition of the Walking Liberty motif. The Walking Liberty design's century-long heritage provides better liquidity and marketability. Many dealers pay slightly higher buy-back prices for Walking Liberty rounds compared to generic designs due to stronger retail demand.

vs. Silver Bars

One-ounce silver bars typically carry the lowest premiums in the silver bullion market, but Walking Liberty rounds offer advantages in recognition and divisibility. Rounds are more widely recognized by both dealers and private buyers, potentially offering better liquidity. The round format stacks efficiently and fits standard storage tubes, while bars may require different storage solutions. Walking Liberty rounds also appeal to a broader market including both investors and those who appreciate the artistic design.

Understanding Silver Round Premiums and Pricing

Silver round premiums represent the amount charged above the current silver spot price, and Walking Liberty rounds consistently offer some of the most competitive premiums in the bullion market. These premiums cover minting costs, distribution, dealer margins, and market demand factors. During normal market conditions, Walking Liberty rounds typically carry premiums of $2-4 per ounce over spot, compared to $8-12 for American Silver Eagles. Premium percentages fluctuate inversely with silver prices - when spot prices are low, premiums represent a higher percentage of total cost. Bulk purchases often qualify for reduced premiums, with tubes of 20 rounds or monster boxes of 500 offering the best per-ounce pricing. Market volatility, physical silver availability, and mint production capacity all influence premium levels. Savvy investors monitor premium trends and buy when premiums compress, maximizing their silver accumulation.

The History and Artistry of the Walking Liberty Design

The Walking Liberty design stands as one of America's most celebrated numismatic achievements, created by renowned sculptor Adolph Alexander Weinman in 1916. Originally commissioned for the Half Dollar, Weinman's design competed against several other artists and won due to its powerful symbolism and artistic excellence. Lady Liberty strides confidently toward the dawn of a new day, her right arm outstretched in invitation while her left arm cradles branches of laurel and oak. The American flag drapes around her figure, symbolizing patriotic protection. Weinman reportedly used his tenant's wife, Elsie Stevens, as the model for Liberty. The design appeared on Half Dollars from 1916 to 1947 and was later adapted for the American Silver Eagle program in 1986. Today's Walking Liberty rounds honor this legacy, allowing modern investors to own this timeless design at affordable premiums. The enduring popularity of the Walking Liberty motif reflects its perfect balance of artistic beauty and patriotic symbolism.

Anchor Bullion Buy-Back Program

We maintain competitive buy-back prices for Walking Liberty Silver Rounds. Our transparent pricing and immediate payment options make liquidating your silver investment simple and secure.

Competitive Rates: We offer fair market prices based on current spot price
Fast Payment:Check or Bank Wire payments are available
No Minimums: Sell any quantity from single rounds to bulk lots

Why Choose Anchor Bullion

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Secure Shipping

Every order is fully insured from our vault to your door with discrete packaging

Authenticity Guaranteed

We source directly from approved mints and guarantee every product's authenticity

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Industry Expertise

Our precious metals specialists provide expert guidance for your investment journey

Start Building Your Silver Stack Today

Take advantage of low premiums on Walking Liberty Silver Rounds. Current market conditions offer exceptional value for silver investors.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not, and should not be construed as, investment, financial, legal, or tax advice. Anchor Bullion LLC is a precious metals dealer and is not a licensed or registered financial advisor, broker-dealer, or financial planner. All investments, including precious metals, involve risk, and the past performance of an asset is not a guarantee of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. Anchor bullion is not responsible for pricing and/or typographical errors.

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