1952-D Franklin Half Dollar
Get the fourth in the Benjamin Franklin half dollar series with this 1952-D Franklin half dollar. This version was minted in Denver, but other 1952 half dollars were also struck in San Francisco and Philadelphia. The series ran from 1948 to 1963 and was designed by John R. Sinnock, the U.S. Mint's chief engraver until his death in 1947. The Franklin half dollar series is popular due to its 90% silver and 10% copper content, one of the last full silver series after the Walking Liberty half dollar. It was struck regularly until 1963 when production prematurely stopped for the Kennedy half dollar, hurriedly pushed through following late John F. Kennedy's assassination.
History
Sinnock started preparing his designs on the ask of the U.S. Mint Director before his passing, completed by his replacement Gilroy Roberts. The coin's inception was unusual as it included a portrait, which was not common, and the eagle on the coin's reverse was smaller than on other coins because as per the Coinage Act of 1873, the bird of prey had to be displayed on all coins of greater value than the dime. Advice on its design was sought from the Commission of Fine Arts. It disapproved of the Liberty Bell's rendering on the reverse with its visible crack, which it thought might lead to some degree of mockery. The advice was ignored and the coin was struck regularly until 1963.
Design specifics
The portrait of Franklin is a side profile and of him in a period suit. In addition to the main images, notable text include "Liberty" and "In God We Trust" on the obverse, and the Latin "E pluribus unum" on the reverse. A small D also appears above the bell.
1952-D Franklin half dollar value and mintage
The 1952-D Franklin half dollar is worth more than its intrinsic value. The Denver minted version has a 25,395,600 mintage and in good condition, it has been known to auction for $3,680.
