Product Description
- Brilliant Uncirculated condition
- Low mintage year
- A must-have for any collection!
1955 Franklin Half Dollar
Get your hands on one of the rarest 50 cent pieces with this 1955 Franklin half dollar in stunning uncirculated condition. With a low mintage, this is one of the rarest half dollars available, making it a treasured piece among collectors. The Franklin half dollar was struck in 90% silver, 10% copper. It weighs 12.5g and measures 30mm in diameter. The reeded edge gives the coin a distinctive feel.
History of the 1955 Franklin Half Dollar
The Franklin half dollar features the face of Benjamin Franklin on its face, designed by chief engraver John R. Sinnock. The reverse has the Liberty Bell and a small eagle, based on sketches from John Frederick Lewis. Gilroy Roberts, the chief engraver who replaced Sinnock after his death, finished the design. The coin was was produced from 1948 to 1963, which was only 16 years. This is one of the shortest runs among all American coins. It was originally commissioned for a 25-year run, but the design ceased production when President Kennedy died. The Kennedy half dollar replaced it in 1963.
The Benjamin Franklin half dollar is unique for two reasons. It was one of the first coins that had a figure other than a president on the face. It also was rare at its time because it did not have a large eagle on the reverse side, but rather had a small eagle next to the Liberty Bell.
1955 Franklin Half Dollar Value
Collectors know that 1955 was one of the Franklin half dollar key dates. This particular year the mint only produced 2,498,181 half dollars. This is compared to close to 100,000,000 for the 1963 coin. This rarity is what makes the 1955 Franklin half dollar so valuable among collectors. The face value of the coin is 50 cents, but it regularly brings much more at auction because of its high silver content and the low number of coins in circulation.
