Franklin Half Dollars (1948-1963)
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
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 1952 D Franklin Half Dollar US 90 Silver Coin $9.99 Time Remaining: 30m |
 1955 P FRANKLIN SILVER HALF DOLLAR ROLL GEM PROOF $950.00 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 30m |
 1955 CHOICE BU FBL FRANKLIN SILVER HALF DOLLAR ID KK879 $60.00 Time Remaining: 30m Buy It Now for only: $60.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 FRANKLIN HALF DOLLAR 90 SILVER CIRCULATED US COINS 1948 1963 1 BID1 COIN $24.95 Time Remaining: 31m |
 1956 CHOICE BU FBL FRANKLIN SILVER HALF DOLLAR ID KK884 $55.00 Time Remaining: 34m Buy It Now for only: $55.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 1959 Franklin Half Dollar Gem Silver Proof US Coin $16.16 (6 Bids) Time Remaining: 35m |
 1963 D Franklin Half Dollar BU $13.50 (5 Bids) Time Remaining: 35m |
 1960 Silver Ben Franklin Proof Half Dollar PF65 NGC $29.00 (14 Bids) Time Remaining: 36m |
 1961 Franklin Half Dollar Proof Silver $10.95 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 36m |
 1963 P FRANKLIN SILVER HALF DOLLAR ROLL GEM BU $260.05 (9 Bids) Time Remaining: 37m |
 1962 Franklin Half MS65 PCGS 65 Mint State $175.00 Time Remaining: 37m Buy It Now for only: $175.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Ben Franklin Silver Half dollar 90 Silver Lot 12 Coins 6 Face value $119.99 Time Remaining: 37m |
Franklin Half Dollar Resources
- Mintage Figures & Specifications - CoinFacts.com
- Franklin Half Dollar News - CoinCollectingNews.org
