1956 Franklin Half Dollar

The 1956 Franklin Half Dollar had a total mintage of just over 4 million from the Philadelphia Mint. The 1956 is a Franklin Half Dollar semi-key date, likely due to its low mintage compared to some of the others in the series, like the 1963-D Franklin Half Dollar that had a total mintage that exceeded 67 million coins! The 1956 Franklin Half Dollar was designed by John R. Sinnock who was inspired by the sketches of John Frederick Lewis. The design features the profile of Benjamin Franklin on the obverse and a large image of the cracked Liberty Bell on the reverse alongside a smaller image of the American Bald Eagle which was required to be visible by law. 

 

History of the 1956 Franklin Half Dollar

The 1956 Franklin Half Dollar is fairly easy to find in circulated grades, as well as lower Mint State grades. As the coin reaches higher Mint State grades it becomes more scarce, with the highest of grades having less than 50 known specimens in existence. The 1956 Franklin Half Dollar is one of the more affordable and accessible out of the different American coin series available. Some are known for a weaker strike, so cherrypicking is advised when choosing the perfect 1956 Franklin Half Dollar for your series collection. 

 

1956 Franklin Half Dollar Value

The 1956 Franklin Half Dollar value ranges from well below a hundred dollars for an uncirculated Mint State coin to upwards of the low tens of thousands for a Full Bell Line version. The 1956 Franklin Half Dollar makes a valuable addition to any Franklin Half Dollar series collection due to its low mintage and representation of a small piece of American history. Collectors should be able to build their collections for a relatively affordable price due to this being more of a niche series. 

 

Type of coin: Half Dollar

Year: 1956 Franklin Half Dollar

Franklin Half Dollar Mint Mark: Philadelphia

Total mintage: 4,032,000

Metal content: 90% Silver, 10% Copper

Face value: 50 cents

Weight: 12.50 grams

Edge: Reeded

Designer: John R. Sinnock and John Frederick Lewis

Diameter: 30.00 millimeters