1935-S

San Francisco delivered 3,854,000 Walking Liberty halves in 1935, edging slightly above the Denver figure for the year and continuing the West Coast branch's pattern of producing serviceable but often soft impressions of Weinman's design. The S mintmark sits in the standard reverse position at the lower left of the eagle. Circulation use was concentrated in California, Oregon, Washington, and Nevada commerce, and surviving examples reflect the heavy regional usage typical of half dollars in the Pacific economy.

The 1935-S shows the strike weakness pattern characteristic of San Francisco Walkers from the 1930s. Liberty's left hand and the skirt thumb are routinely soft, and the eagle's breast feathers frequently lack the central detail visible on better-struck issues. Full Strike examples certified by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) are genuine condition rarities, and the population reports indicate sharp falloffs above MS-65 with MS-66 coins commanding multi-thousand-dollar premiums when strike is acceptable. Die marker references published by both major grading services document the specific S punch alignment and reverse rock characteristics that distinguish genuine 1935-S strikes from altered Philadelphia hosts.

Authentication focuses on the S mintmark font and placement, since 1935-S has periodically been targeted for mintmark addition from Philadelphia base coins. Genuine S mintmarks of this era show specific shape characteristics worth comparing against confirmed reference pieces. Weight at 12.50 grams and edge inspection on the 30.61 mm reeded planchet provide additional verification. Mid-grade circulated specimens remain affordable for date collectors, while Mint State examples with acceptable strike command premiums that grow steeply through the upper gem range. Original satin luster on the better surviving examples helps distinguish genuine Mint State pieces from coins that have been dipped or lightly cleaned, both common impairments on pre-war Walkers. For the broader West Coast production context, see the Walking Liberty Half Dollar series history.