1952 Franklin Half Dollar
Complete your Franklin half dollar series with this 1952 Franklin half dollar. The Franklin half dollar was minted from 1948 to 1963 and is popular with numismatic collectors for its 90% silver content. The U.S. Mint stopped silver half dollars shortly after the Franklin when the Kennedy half dollar was being struck. The coin features Benjamin Franklin on the obverse and the Liberty Bell on the reverse.
History
The U.S. Mint Director Nellie Tayloe Ross asked her chief engraver John R. Sinnock to design the half dollar piece as she was a long admirer of the founding father, historian, author, and inventor. Sinnock started preparing the designs but after his death in 1947, it was down to Gilroy Roberts to complete them. Sinnock's initials were nevertheless included on the obverse of the coin where Franklin's shoulder cuts off. The initials "JRS" caused controversy, however, as some believed it was a tribute to Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin. It was the same complaint that arose after Sinnock's previous work on the Roosevelt dime when his initials "JS" were used.
Design specifics
The obverse of the coin is topped with the text "Liberty" and below Franklin's profile the phrase "In God We Trust" is embossed. On the reverse the Liberty Bell's crack is visible, and the U.S. motto "E pluribus unum," which means "Out of many, one," is placed to the left of the bell. A diminutive eagle can be seen to the right of the bell. The 30mm coin also has a reeded edge.
1952 Franklin half dollar value and mintage
The 1952 Franklin half dollar has a mintage of 21,192,093 and was minted in Philadelphia. The value of the coin depends on its condition but a 1952 half in certified mint state 67 – superb gem and uncirculated – has sold at auction for up to $3,408.
