1916–1947 Walking Liberty Half Dollar & 1959–1969 France 5 Francs Sower 2-pc Set VG–XF

Was This The Inspiration For The Walking Liberty Design?

You may not know who Louis Oscar Roty is, but you’re likely to recognize the most famous design created by this talented French medalist. Roty was the designer behind La Semeuse—The Sower, a design that was used in France on several coins that were struck from 1897 to 1920. Some experts say Roty’s design is similar to—or was even an inspiration for—the Walking Liberty Half Dollar designed by Adolph A. Weinman in 1916. Though Roty passed away in 1911, his designs survived the test of time, and France continued to strike his iconic design well into the 20th Century.

Similar French And American Versions Of Lady Liberty

This two-piece set consists of an American Walking Liberty Half Dollar struck in highly pure 90% fine silver issued from dated 1916 to 1947, and a French 5 Francs coin struck in 83.5% fine silver issued from 1959 to 1969. Do the designs look familiar? The French coin depicts Marianne, the French allegorical figure of Lady Liberty, sowing seeds before a background of beaming sunrays. By the time this design was retired, a similar design had popped up in America—Adolph A. Weinman’s famous Walking Liberty design that appeared on America’s Silver Half Dollars.

Both feature a stunning full body portrait of Lady Liberty in her Phrygian cap. Whatever the truth, you can compare and contrast the two designs with this two-coin set containing French 5-Franc coins and a U.S. Walking Liberty Half Dollar. Dates vary and coins will come in Very Good-Extremely Fine (VG–XF) condition.

COIN HIGHLIGHTS:

• THE WALKING LIBERTY AND ITS INSPIRATION – Designed by Oscar Roty, “The Sower” appeared on the 50 Centime and 1-, 2- & 5-Franc coins through 1920. It’s believed that it served as the inspiration for Adolph A. Weinman’s famous design for America’s Walking Liberty Half Dollar.
• STRUCK IN FINE SILVER – This 5-Franc coin was struck in 12 grams of 83.5% silver and measures 29 mm in diameter. The U.S. Half Dollar was struck in 12.5 grams of 90% fine silver and measures 30.6 mm in diameter.
• LEGAL-TENDER COINS – Each coin in this set is legal tender with denominations of 5 Francs for the French coins and 50 cents for the American coin.
• NICE COLLECTOR-GRADE CONDITION – The coins in your 1916–1947 Walking Liberty Half Dollar & 1959–1969 France 5 Francs Sower Two-Piece Set will come in Very Good to Extremely Fine (VG–XF) condition.

Were these French coins the inspiration for America’s iconic Walking Liberty? You be the judge. Order your 1898–1947 France/USA Francs & Walking Liberty Three-Piece Set now!