A Liberty in motion
A sculptor’s Liberty, across two eras.
Sculptor Adolph A. Weinman designed the Walking Liberty half dollar, issued from 1916 through 1947, and the Winged Liberty Head or Mercury dime, issued from 1916 through 1945. The U.S. Mint manufactured the coins; the artist designed them.
The dime’s winged cap represents freedom of thought. Its popular Mercury name comes from a resemblance to the Roman god; the image represents Liberty. On the reverse, the Mint describes a fasces and olive branch as symbols of military readiness and peace.
The American Silver Eagle connects the design to a later silver series. Its obverse is based on Weinman’s 1916 half dollar. The Mint identifies Emily Damstra as designer of the reverse introduced in 2021 and Michael Gaudioso as its sculptor. Credit for one side does not extend to every side or every stage of production.
From the museum collection
Follow a design across generations
Compare the denomination, dates and materials of an individual piece before assuming that a familiar image identifies its issue.
A 1916 design, a later bullion coin
The Walking Liberty half dollar ran from 1916 to 1947; the Mint’s American Eagle bullion program uses an obverse based on that earlier design. The current bullion specification is one troy ounce of .999 fine silver and a one-dollar denomination. It is a different issue from the half dollar.
On the current bullion coin, the Mint says the updated obverse includes Weinman’s traditional artist mark. Record the actual issue and its design details when comparing examples, rather than assume that every issue carries an identical mark or reverse.
Names & chapters
How the story developed.
- 1916–1945
Winged Liberty Head dime
The Mint produced the Mercury dime with Weinman’s design.
- 1916–1947
Walking Liberty half dollar
Weinman’s Walking Liberty design appeared on the half dollar.
- 1986 onward
A design returns
The American Silver Eagle uses an obverse based on his Walking Liberty design.
Follow an interest
What to explore.
A historical design profile based on U.S. Mint records; specifications should be checked for the exact issue.
Check the details
Before you buy.
Dates, denomination, finish and mint are as useful as the famous image.
Open the references
Research this name.
- U.S. Mint
Study the Silver Eagle
See the specifications and modern design credits.
- U.S. Mint
Read the Mint dime history
Explore the Mercury dime’s design and symbolism.
- Collect Silver guide
Explore silver dollars
Compare the Silver Eagle with other silver dollar issues.
- Collect Silver profile
Meet the United States Mint
Explore the manufacturer and its distinct distribution channels.
Sources & further reading
- National Sculpture Society Members of the Panel of Judges U.S. Mint · Historical record: Weinman designs and issue dates
- Dime U.S. Mint · Coin history and symbolism
- Bullion Coin Programs U.S. Mint · Silver Eagle composition and artist credits
- American Eagle Silver Proof Coin U.S. Mint · Silver Eagle issue and design history
U.S. Mint records identify the designs, production periods and modern artist credits. Sources checked November 14, 2026.