Minted by the U.S. Mint from 1948 to 1963, the 1961-D Franklin Half Dollar has a composition of 90% silver and 10% copper. Though still in circulation, these coins, also known as Benjamin Franklin Half Dollars, are increasingly sought after by collectors as the coins’ silver far exceeds its face value.
Condition and Mintage
Our 1961-D Franklin Half Dollar coins are in brilliant uncirculated condition. These coins were minted in Denver and have a mintage of: 20,276,442. These coins retain their original characteristics and may be described as in mint condition.
History and Description
The 1961-D Franklin Half Dollar proof coin is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. It features a reeded edge, weighs 12.50g, and has a diameter of 30.00mm. The obverse side of this uncirculated coin depicts a profile view of Benjamin Franklin, one of the nation’s most revered Founding Fathers. John R. Sinnock, the U.S. Mint’s chief engraver in 1947, created the design, which is based on the renowned Benjamin Franklin bust sculpted by Jean Antoine-Houdon in the late 18th century.
The Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar coin’s reverse side features a Liberty Bell that was also designed by Sinnock. He died before he could complete it, so the engraving was finished by Gilroy Roberts. The bell design shows the famous Liberty Bell crack. There is also a small eagle perched to the right side of the bell.
The U.S. Mint stopped producing Franklin Half Dollar coins in December of 1963 after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy the month before. The mint replaced this fifty-cent coin with the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar coin in order to commemorate the fallen president. Although Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar coins are still circulated today, their circulation is waning, and proof / uncirculated coins remain highly collectible today.
Pricing
Pricing for the 1961-D Franklin Half Dollar uncirculated coin is priced in accordance with its scarcity and collectibility. While not as rare as proof coins, uncirculated coins in mint condition remain a popular bullion investment among collectors.
