The U.S. Mint minted Franklin Half Dollar coins from 1948 to 1963. This coin, sometimes referred to as the Franklin fifty-cent piece, features 90% silver composition and is widely valuable to collectors not only for its rarity, but because its bullion value exceeds its face value.
Condition and Mintage
The 1959 Franklin Half Dollar proof is in proof, mint condition. All Franklin Half Dollar proof coins were minted in Philadelphia. While this proof year is more common among 1950s Franklin Half Dollar coins, it is more scarce than versions minted in the 1960s. The mintage of these proof coins is 1,149,291.
History and Description
The 1959 Franklin Half Dollar proof coin is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. It weighs 12.50g and has a diameter of 30.00mm. The obverse side of the coin features a profile view of Founding Father Benjamin Franklin. John R. Sinnock, the mint’s chief engraver in 1947, created the design based on the celebrated Franklin bust sculpted by Jean Antoine-Houdon during the late 18th century.
The reverse side of this Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar coin features the Sinnock-designed Liberty Bell. There is also a small eagle located to the right of the bell. Sinnock died before completing the reverse design, so the bell engraving was completed by Gilroy Roberts. The coin’s liberty bell features its telltale crack, a design detail that was debated within the mint before its ultimate approval.
Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar coins were no longer produced after December of 1963. The U.S. Mint created a half dollar coin to honor President John F. Kennedy after he was assassinated in November of 1963 and it replaced the Franklin Half Dollar coin. While many Franklin Half Dollar coins are still in circulation today, uncirculated and proof coins remain valuable to collectors.
Pricing
Pricing for the 1959 Franklin Half Dollar proof coin typically exceeds pricing for uncirculated coins owing to their scarcity and proof condition.
