Franklin Half Dollar Values
How Much Franklin Half Dollars are Worth: Franklin Half Dollar Values & Coin Price Chart
Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | U-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 | MS-67 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1800 | P | Plain 4- Stemless Wreath | Red-brown | 200 | 300 | 400 | 500 | 600 | 700 | 800 | 900 | 1000 | 1200 | 1100 |
| Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | MS-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1948 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $15.30 | $18 | $15.40 | $16.50 | $23 | $35 | $32 | $43 | $91 | $279 |
| 1948 | D | -- | -- | $15.30 | $18 | $15.40 | $15.50 | $23 | $40 | $32 | $48 | $83 | $245 |
| 1949 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $15.80 | $16 | $15.90 | $15.90 | $19 | $50 | $47 | $67 | $101 | $262 |
| 1949 | D | -- | -- | $15.80 | $19 | $15.90 | $16.40 | $23 | $50 | $50 | $70 | $197 | $880 |
| 1949 | S | -- | -- | $18.50 | $20 | $18.90 | $23.40 | $45 | $80 | $78 | $85 | $107 | $191 |
| 1950 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $15.80 | $17 | $15.90 | $15.90 | $18 | $40 | $38 | $63 | $124 | $339 |
| 1950 | D | -- | -- | $15.30 | $17 | $15.40 | $15.90 | $22 | $50 | $42 | $56 | $176 | $573 |
| 1951 | S | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $5,500 | $13,975 | $22,550 | $27,250 | $44,000 |
| 1951 | D | -- | -- | $16.30 | $17 | $16.40 | $16.40 | $22 | $40 | $39 | $50 | $114 | $357 |
| 1951 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $15.30 | $17 | $15.40 | $15.40 | $19 | $21.10 | $32 | $65 | $71 | $170 |
| 1952 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $16.30 | $17 | $16.40 | $16.40 | $16.50 | $20.10 | $25.70 | $35 | $70 | $159 |
| 1952 | D | -- | -- | $16.30 | $17 | $16.40 | $16.40 | $19 | $25 | $27.90 | $37 | $97 | $310 |
| 1952 | S | -- | -- | $16.30 | $18 | $16.40 | $23 | $40 | $70 | $64 | $76 | $111 | $148 |
| 1953 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $16.30 | $17 | $16.40 | $16.40 | $16.80 | $30 | $31 | $44 | $89 | $227 |
| 1953 | D | -- | -- | $16.30 | $16 | $16.40 | $16.40 | $18 | $26 | $31 | $34 | $77 | $310 |
| 1953 | S | -- | -- | $16.30 | $16 | $16.40 | $16.40 | $25 | $43 | $36 | $40 | $56 | $188 |
| 1954 | S | -- | -- | $16.30 | $18 | $16.40 | $16.40 | $20 | $25 | $25.70 | $29 | $40 | $106 |
| 1954 | D | -- | -- | $16.30 | $17 | $16.40 | $16.40 | $16.50 | $23 | $26.40 | $28 | $53 | $249 |
| 1954 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $16.30 | $17 | $16.40 | $16.40 | $18 | $19.50 | $25.70 | $32 | $41 | $198 |
| 1955 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $15.30 | $18 | $15.40 | $15.90 | $17.30 | $25 | $28.70 | $34 | $58 | $114 |
| 1956 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $16.30 | $17 | $16.40 | $16.40 | $19 | $24 | $25.70 | $28.50 | $41 | $62 |
| 1957 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $16.30 | $18 | $16.40 | $16.40 | $17.30 | $23 | $24.20 | $27 | $34 | $57 |
| 1957 | D | -- | -- | $16.30 | $16.30 | $16.40 | $16.40 | $17.30 | $22 | $24.40 | $29 | $265 | $88 |
| 1958 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $16.30 | $17 | $16.40 | $16.40 | $17.30 | $22 | $23.70 | $28 | $35 | $62 |
| 1958 | D | -- | -- | $16.30 | $17 | $16.40 | $16.40 | $17.30 | $22 | $23.70 | $27 | $205 | $82 |
| 1959 | D | -- | -- | $16.30 | $17 | $16.40 | $16.40 | $17.30 | $22 | $23.40 | $28.50 | $47 | $346 |
| 1959 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $16.30 | $17 | $16.40 | $16.40 | $17.30 | $22 | $23.70 | $27 | $60 | $264 |
| 1960 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $16.30 | $20 | $16.40 | $16.40 | $17.30 | $26 | $26.70 | $28.50 | $52 | $339 |
| 1960 | D | -- | -- | $16.30 | $17.50 | $16.40 | $16.40 | $17.30 | $25 | $23.40 | $28 | $71 | $320 |
| 1961 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $16.70 | $15.50 | $15.40 | $15.40 | $15.80 | $21 | $23.70 | $27 | $37 | $309 |
| 1961 | D | -- | -- | $16.30 | $18 | $16.40 | $16.40 | $17.30 | $21 | $23.40 | $26 | $100 | $291 |
| 1962 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $16.70 | $15.50 | $16.40 | $16.40 | $17.40 | $19 | $23.70 | $27 | $49 | $360 |
| 1962 | D | -- | -- | $16.70 | $15.50 | $16.40 | $16.40 | $17.40 | $21 | $23.70 | $27 | $47 | $426 |
| 1963 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $16.70 | $17 | $16.40 | $16.40 | $17.20 | $18.90 | $23.20 | $26 | $31 | $341 |
| 1963 | D | -- | -- | $16.70 | $17 | $16.40 | $16.40 | $17.20 | $18.90 | $23.20 | $27 | $34 | $229 |
Franklin Half Dollar: A Tribute to Innovation and Liberty
Minted from 1948 to 1963, the Franklin
Half Dollar is a striking departure from traditional U.S. coinage.
Featuring Benjamin Franklin on the obverse and the Liberty Bell on the reverse,
this design broke away from the long-standing practice of using presidents or
allegorical figures. Created by John R. Sinnock, this coin remains a favorite
among collectors due to its historical significance and silver content.
Origins and Design Transition
The introduction of the Franklin Half Dollar in 1948 stemmed
from a desire to honor one of America’s most influential Founding Fathers.
Treasury Secretary Nellie Tayloe Ross favored Franklin for his contributions to
science, diplomacy, and philosophy. Designed by John R. Sinnock, the coin
replaced the Walking
Liberty Half Dollar, marking a shift toward modern numismatic aesthetics.
The obverse prominently displays Franklin’s profile, with
“LIBERTY” above and “IN GOD WE TRUST” below. The reverse
features the Liberty Bell, complete with its famous crack, and a small eagle to
the right, included to meet federal regulations requiring an eagle on all
silver coinage.
Why Collectors Appreciate the Franklin Half Dollar
The Franklin Half Dollar draws interest due to its silver
composition, relatively short production span, and historical resonance. While
common in circulated conditions, securing
a Full Bell Lines (FBL) specimen—with crisp, uninterrupted details on the
Liberty Bell—adds a premium to its value.
Collector’s Checklist: Key Details to Examine
·
Where to Locate Them: Available at coin
shops, auctions, estate sales, and bullion dealers.
·
Defining Features: Look for Full Bell
Lines, minimal marks, and strong luster, particularly in uncirculated examples.
·
Preservation Advice: Store Franklin Half
Dollars in protective holders or certified slabs to prevent toning and surface
damage.
A Highly Coveted Franklin Half Dollar
Among the most valuable in the series is the 1953-S Franklin
Half Dollar in high-grade Full Bell Lines (FBL) condition. Due to striking
issues at the San Francisco Mint, fully defined examples are scarce and command
significant premiums at auction.
Investment in Franklin Half Dollars
The 90% silver content and steady collector interest make
Franklin Half Dollars a reliable investment. While many remain in circulation,
premium-grade coins with strong details, especially those with Full Bell Lines,
have consistently appreciated in value.
Significant Dates and Scarce Varieties
Popular key dates of Franklin Half Dollar issues include:
·
1949-S Franklin Half Dollar – Tough to
find in high grades with FBL details.
·
1953-S Franklin Half Dollar – Notoriously
weak strike, making fully detailed examples highly desirable.
·
1961 Proof Franklin Half Dollar – Some
display cameo contrast, increasing their appeal.
·
Notable Errors: Double dies, repunched
mintmarks, and die cracks can enhance a coin’s rarity.
The Artistic Influence Behind the Design
John R.
Sinnock’s Franklin Half Dollar deviated from traditional motifs, embracing
realism over symbolism. Using the Liberty Bell reinforced Franklin’s role in
American independence while subtly acknowledging the country’s deep historical
roots.
Why Buy Franklin Half Dollars?
With its silver value, historical relevance, and collector
appeal, Franklin Half Dollars offer an accessible yet rewarding numismatic
pursuit. Whether acquired for its bullion content or as part of a high-grade
collection, this coin is a tribute to one of America’s greatest minds.
