1958 Franklin Half Dollar
Issued by the U.S. Mint between 1948 and 1963, Franklin Half Dollar coins are sometimes referred to as ‘Franklin fifty-cent pieces.’ These coins feature a composition of 90% silver and 10% copper. This coin is in brilliant, uncirculated condition, making it a superb addition to collections of coins and silver bullion.
Coinage and Mintage
This 1958-P Franklin Half Dollar was minted in Philadelphia and is associated with a mintage of 4,042,000. As an uncirculated coin, this 1958 Ben Franklin half dollar coin is in lustrous, brilliant condition.
History and Description
This 1958-P Franklin Half Dollar coin features a diameter of 30.00mm and a weight of 12.50g. The coins have a reeded edge and composition of 90% silver / 10% copper. The obverse side of the coin shows Benjamin Franklin in profile view. U.S. Chief Mint Engraver John R. Sinnock based his design for Franklin on a 17th century sculpture of the founding father based on the work of sculptor Jean Antoine-Houdon. He completed the engraving in 1947.
Sinnock also designed the most of the reverse side that features the U.S. Liberty Bell complete with its telltale crack. Sinnock died before he could complete the work; Gilroy Roberts, the new chief engraver for the mint, completed the design. The reverse also depicts a small bald eagle to the right of the bell and includes the coin’s face value and the words, ‘United States of America.’
The November 1963 assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy caused the mint to stop production of the Franklin Half Dollar coin the following month. In 1964, it released its Kennedy Half Dollar, which included a profile view of the fallen president. Even though Ben Franklin Half Dollar coins may still be found in circulation, that are becoming increasingly rare to find. Uncirculated and proof coins remain sought after by both coin collectors and collectors of silver bullion.
