1951-S Franklin Half Dollar
Add a 1951-S Franklin half dollar to your numismatic collection to boost its appraisal. The coin, in a good mint state, is worth more than its intrinsic value and its 90 percent silver composite has benefitted from the increased price of silver over the last 70 years. While the Franklin half dollar was minted at all three mints between 1948 and 1963, there were less halves minted in San Francisco in 1951 than at Philadelphia, so this version with its mint mark is a nice way of adding value to a Franklin series if you're looking to complete the set with all 15 years.
History
The coin, which bears the figure of Benjamin Franklin, is the first half dollar to depict an actual person as opposed to a mythical figure symbolizing "liberty." John R. Sinnock, the chief engraver, was responsible for the designs, and his initials – JRS – were embossed on the coin, which caused controversy as many thought they represented the initials of Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin. The Mint refuted this claim and refused to change the detail. The coin was struck regularly until 1963 and is still in legal tender.
Design specifics
The Franklin half dollar's portrait of Franklin is topped and tailed with the text "Liberty" and "In God We Trust," respectively. The reverse is embossed with the Philadelphia Liberty Bell with a small eagle to its right and the words "E pluribus unum" appear to its left, which means "Out of many, one" in Latin. The mint mark "s" is apparent just above the yoke of the bell. The 30mm coin also has a reeded edge.
1951-S Franklin half dollar value and mintage
In excellent condition, a 1951-S Franklin half dollar can still be worth thousands and one coin, certified mint state 67, sold for $2,820 at a Baltimore auction. Its melt value alone is just under $10. However, its mint state quality and its 13,696,000 mintage make it worth more.
