General Coin Information
The Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar was first introduced in 1948 and was struck by the US Mint through 1963, when it was replaced by the John F. Kennedy Half Dollar. Composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, many were unfortunately melted for their intrinsic value when it rose significantly over the face value.
Many of the Franklin Half Dollars survived, however, and are a favorite among collectors. The design was scheduled to run at least another nine years, but was changed by an act of Congress shortly after the assassination of President John Kennedy.
Benjamin Franklin is considered one of the founding fathers of the United States. He was a man of many pursuits including science, politics and diplomacy. His influence upon the first years of the country can hardly be over-estimated.
The coins were struck at the Mint's facilities in Philadelphia, San Francisco and Denver.
Obverse Design
A portrait of Benjamin Franklin designed by John R. Sinnock is featured on the obverse of the coin. Also seen are the inscription "Liberty," "In God We Trust" and the year of mintage.
Reverse Design
The reverse of the Franklin Half Dollar shows an image of the cracked Liberty Bell with a small eagle to its side, also designed by John R. Sinnock. The inscriptions "United States of America," "Half Dollar," "E Pluribus Unum" and the mintmark, if any, are present as well.
Franklin Half Dollar Specifications
Mint: United States Mint Finish/Condition: Circulated Metal Content: 90% silver, 10% copper Weight: 12.50gms Diameter: 30.6mm Edge: reeded Issue Date: 1948-1963 Face Value: $.50 Obverse Designer/Sculptor: John R. Sinnock Reverse Designer/Sculptor: John R. Sinnock |
Featured Franklin Half Dollar Auctions
![]() |
![]() Two Franklin Half Dollars 1960 57 Great condition USA Silver Coins $28.00 Time Remaining: 33m |
![]() 1949 Choice BU Silver Franklin Half Dollar LUSTROUS PQ $55.00 Time Remaining: 40m |
![]() 1960 50c PCGS MS64 Franklin Half Dollar $29.00 Time Remaining: 1h Buy It Now for only: $29.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
![]() 1963 Gem Proof Franklin Half Dollar BEAUTIFUL HIGH QUALITY COIN $18.99 Time Remaining: 1h 3m Buy It Now for only: $18.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
![]() 1963 P Franklin 90 Silver Half Dollar Ships Free Buy 5 for 2 off $12.30 Time Remaining: 1h 3m Buy It Now for only: $12.30 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
![]() 1962 D Franklin 90 Silver Half Dollar Ships Free Buy 5 for 2 off $9.64 Time Remaining: 1h 4m Buy It Now for only: $9.64 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
![]() Franklin Liberty Half Dollar collection of 24 $350.00 Time Remaining: 1h 29m Buy It Now for only: $350.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
![]() 1951 S FRANKLIN HALF DOLLAR $6.95 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 1h 33m |
![]() 1962 D Franklin 90 Silver Half Dollar Ships Free Buy 5 for 2 off $10.69 Time Remaining: 1h 33m Buy It Now for only: $10.69 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
![]() 1956 PROOF Franklin Half Dollar 50C Type 2 PCGS PR68 Cameo PF68 Near DCAM $314.90 Time Remaining: 1h 37m Buy It Now for only: $314.90 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
![]() 1959 D NGC MS64 FULL BELL LINES Franklin Half DollarJP $30.00 Time Remaining: 1h 47m Buy It Now for only: $30.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
![]() 1956 P PCGS MS66 FULL BELL LINES Franklin Half Dollar B0344 $200.00 Time Remaining: 1h 47m Buy It Now for only: $200.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
Franklin Half Dollar Resources
- Mintage Figures & Specifications - CoinFacts.com
- Franklin Half Dollar News - CoinCollectingNews.org