1952-S Franklin Half Dollar
Boost the value of your Franklin coin collection with this 1952-S Franklin half dollar. The Franklin half dollar was minted from 1948 to 1963, with the likeness of one of the U.S. founding fathers Benjamin Franklin, also a known inventor and polymath. It was designed by John R. Sinnock and it is a popular coin series as it is made in 90% silver. An uncirculated coin in excellent condition from the San Francisco mint can be worth more than the average 1952 version of this coin.
History
The coin was designed by Sinnock on instruction from the U.S. Mint Director to replace the Walking Liberty half. However, he died before completing his designs, and Gilroy Roberts, who replaced him as Chief Engraver, completed them. They were based on Sinnock's earlier work and new sketches that took inspiration from other artists, such as John Frederick Lewis, later credited with the Liberty Bell image on the coin's reverse. The designs weren't well-received by everyone, including the Commission of Fine Arts, asked for its advisory opinion. It disliked the crack in the Lewis-inspired bell and the small eagle, placed beside the bell as an afterthought to meet federal coinage regulations.
Design specifics
The 1952-S Franklin half is like all other Franklins – Franklin's side profile on the obverse and the cracked Liberty Bell with a small eagle on the reverse – in every way except the date, of course, changes to 1952, embossed next to Franklin's head. There is also a tiny mintmark above the yoke of the bell – a small 's.' The 30mm coin has a reeded edge and its weight is 12.5g.
1952-S Franklin half dollar value and mintage
The 1952-S Ben Franklin half dollar has a relatively small mintage of 5.5 million. A good condition coin can be worth up to nearly $100 although superb condition coins have auctioned for almost $6,500.
