1957 Franklin Half Dollar

The 1957 Franklin Half Dollar produced a little over 5 million coins at the Philadelphia Mint. The 1957 Ben Franklin Half Dollar is a common coin in the series, and is believed to have many nice pieces available on the market. The Franklin Half Dollar was designed by John R. Sinnock, depicting the profile of Benjamin Franklin on the obverse and the cracked Liberty Bell on the reverse alongside a smaller image of the American Bald Eagle, which was a requirement by law for Franklin Half Dollars to have the eagle on it somewhere. 

 

History of the 1957 Franklin Half Dollar

The 1957 Franklin Half Dollar is very easy to find in circulated grades. Due to its commonness, it is more accessible and affordable than some of the other coins in the Franklin Half Dollar series. As this coin moves up into higher Mint State grades, it becomes more scarce, which is common for many of the Franklin Half Dollar series coins. The 1957 Franklin Half Dollar is an attractive coin, and cherrypicking is often advised to ensure you find one with a solid strike and nice luster. 

 

1957 Franklin Half Dollar Value

The 1957 Franklin Half Dollar value ranges from well below a hundred dollars to upwards of the low tens of thousands. The Franklin Half Dollars are an affordable series, but still valuable and popular considering they are 90% silver. The series ended abruptly with the assassination of John F. Kennedy, and represent an important part of American history. The 1957 Franklin Half Dollar should be relatively easy to find in lower grades and would make a valuable addition to any Franklin Half Dollar series collection. 

 

Type of coin: Half Dollar

Year: 1957 Franklin Half Dollar

Franklin Half Dollar Mint Mark: Philadelphia

Total mintage: 5,114,000

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