1959 Franklin Half Dollar

The 1959 Franklin Half Dollar was minted at the Philadelphia Mint with 6.2 million total mintage. The Franklin Half Dollar was designed by John R. Sinnock before he died, and credit is also given to John Frederick Lewis for his sketch inspiring Sinnock’s design. The Franklin Half Dollar is one of the last half dollar series to be made out of silver, with a total of 90% of each coin being made of silver. 

 

History of the 1959 Franklin Half Dollar

The 1959 Franklin Half Dollar features a profile of Benjamin Franklin on the obverse of the coin and an image of the cracked Liberty Bell and a small image of the American Bald Eagle on the reverse. The eagle was a requirement by law to be visible on the half dollar series. 1959 Ben Franklin Half Dollar coins are believed to be fully struck when they have the Full Bell Line. Cherrypicking can be useful to find a Franklin Half Dollar that has a nice aesthetic and is well-struck. 

 

1959 Franklin Half Dollar Value

The 1959 Franklin Half Dollar value ranges from well below a hundred dollars for an uncirculated Mint State coin and can travel upwards of the low tens of thousands for a Full Bell Line. The Franklin Half Dollar series is popular, yet more of a niche collection which means that it’s possible to find the coins in this series at relatively lower prices for some beautiful specimens. The 1959 Franklin Half Dollar would make a great and affordable addition to any Franklin Half Dollar collection. 

 

Type of coin: Half Dollar

Year: 1959 Franklin Half Dollar

Franklin Half Dollar Mint Mark: Philadelphia

Total mintage: 6,200,000

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