The Franklin Half Dollar is a collectible silver coin that carries a face value of $.50. These silver coins were minted from 1948-1963. These coins remain in demand today due to their historical significance and symbolism. The following sections will discuss in detail the history, design and value of these coins and why they are sought after by collectors.
Franklin Half Dollar History
The Franklin Half Dollar was created at the suggestion of then-Mint Director Nellie Tayloe Ross, who admired Benjamin Franklin and wanted his image featured on a coin. In 1947, the chief engraver John Sinnock was assigned the duty of designing the coin, due to his untimely death he could not complete his design. Thereafter, a engraver named Gilroy Roberts completed the design. Then on April 19th, 1948 the Franklin Half Dollar was released! The Franklin Half Dollar design consists of a detailed side portrait of our founding father which ends at the shoulder, the word “Liberty” standing tall at the top of the coin, and the phrase “ In God we trust” surrounding Franklin at the bottom of the coin. On the reverse of the Franklin Half Dollar shows the shining Liberty Bell with enough detail to show the famous crack of the bell. Alongside the bell is a bald eagle. Around the bell lies multiple phrases including “United States Of America, E Pluribus Unum and Half Dollar”. The coin's series was minted from 1948 - 1963 and was produced at the Philadelphia, Denver and, San Francisco.
Soon after the anticipated release Franklin half dollar coins experienced a degree of controversy. The initials "JRS," representing designer John R. Sinnock, were placed on the Franklin Half Dollar at the base of Franklin's shoulder. However, some speculated that the initials were a hidden tribute to former Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin. The U.S. Mint quickly clarified that the letters were simply Sinnock’s initials and had no other significance, leaving the coin's design unchanged. The Franklin Half Dollar was minted regularly until 1963, after which it was replaced by the Kennedy Half Dollar in 1964.
Each Franklin Half Dollar had a .50c denomination and was composed of 90% silver. Collectors love the Franklin Half Dollar because of its low mintages in comparison to the Kennedy Half Dollar and its high silver content. Half Dollars the came after the Franklin Half Dollar rarely had silver in them. The only years that did were the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar which had 90% silver, the 1965-1970 Kennedy Half Dollars that had 40% silver, and thereafter most half dollars no longer had any silver.
Franklin Half Dollar Design
The Franklin Half Dollar, designed by John Sinnock, honors one of America’s most iconic Founding Fathers, Benjamin Franklin.
The obverse of the coin showcases a detailed portrait of Franklin in profile, with his flowing hair cut off at the shoulder. Despite the intricate rendering of Franklin's profile, the design remains simple, featuring “LIBERTY” at the top, “IN GOD WE TRUST” at the bottom, and the year of minting prominently displayed.
On the reverse, the coin highlights the Liberty Bell, complete with its famous crack, accompanied by a small eagle. While the inclusion of the crack and the eagle drew some initial criticism, the Mint proceeded with the design. The reverse also includes inscriptions such as “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” and “HALF DOLLAR.”
The Liberty Bell is depicted with remarkable detail, making the Franklin Half Dollar one of the most symbolic and visually striking coins ever minted.
Popularity Among Coin Collectors
Franklin Half Dollar is popular among coin collectors for several reasons. This coin features a design of historical significance and depicts the profile of one of the most famous Americans in history.
As a fifty-cent coin, the Franklin Half Dollar stands out from other collectible coins with face values of $1 or higher. Beyond its face value, the coin's 90% silver content adds intrinsic value, making it particularly desirable. Its reeded edge further highlights its quality craftsmanship.
Collectors are also drawn to the coin's increasing age, as the Franklin Half Dollar has not been minted for over 50 years. This passage of time has contributed to growing interest in these historic half dollars. Early mintages were produced in limited quantities, adding to their allure for those seeking original issues.
While the Franklin Half Dollar is not considered rare, its historical and aesthetic value, combined with its silver content, makes it a cherished and accessible addition to many collections.
Franklin Half Dollar Value
| Date | Mintage | Good | Very Fine | Extremely Fine | Uncirculated | |
| 1948 Franklin Half Dollar | 3,006,814 | N/A | $9.00 | $11.00 | $20.00 | |
| 1948-D Franklin Half Dollar | 4,028,600 | N/A | $9.00 | $11.00 | $20.00 | |
| 1949 Franklin Half Dollar | 5,614,000 | N/A | $12.00 | $18.00 | $40.00 | |
| 1949-D Franklin Half Dollar | 4,120,600 | N/A | $12.00 | $18.00 | $45.00 | |
| 1949-S Franklin Half Dollar | 3,744,000 | N/A | $12.00 | $20.00 | $65.00 | |
| 1950 Franklin Half Dollar | 7,742,123 | N/A | $9.00 | $11.00 | $30.00 | |
| 1950-D Franklin Half Dollar | 8,031,600 | N/A | $9.00 | $11.00 | $26.00 | |
| 1951 Franklin Half Dollar | 16,802,102 | N/A | $9.00 | $11.00 | $14.00 | |
| 1951-D Franklin Half Dollar | 9,475,200 | N/A | $9.00 | $11.00 | $30.00 | |
| 1951-S Franklin Half Dollar | 13,696,000 | N/A | $9.00 | $11.00 | $25.00 | |
| 1952 Franklin Half Dollar | 21,192,093 | N/A | $9.00 | $11.00 | $14.00 | |
| 1952-D Franklin Half Dollar | 25,395,600 | N/A | $9.00 | $11.00 | $14.00 | |
| 1952-S Franklin Half Dollar | 5,526,000 | N/A | $12.00 | $17.00 | $50.00 | |
| 1953 Franklin Half Dollar | 2,668,120 | N/A | $9.00 | $10.00 | $14.00 | |
| 1953-D Franklin Half Dollar | 20,900,400 | N/A | $9.00 | $10.00 | $14.00 | |
| 1953-S Franklin Half Dollar | 4,148,000 | N/A | $9.00 | $10.00 | $25.00 | |
| 1954 Franklin Half Dollar | 13,188,202 | N/A | $9.00 | $10.00 | $14.00 | |
| 1954-D Franklin Half Dollar | 25,445,580 | N/A | $9.00 | $10.00 | $14.00 | |
| 1954-S Franklin Half Dollar | 4,993,400 | N/A | $12.00 | $14.00 | $16.00 | |
| 1955 Franklin Half Dollar | 2,498,181 | N/A | $18.00 | $22.00 | $25.00 | |
| 1956 Franklin Half Dollar | 4,032,000 | N/A | $9.00 | $10.00 | $14.00 | |
| 1957 Franklin Half Dollar | 5,114,000 | N/A | $9.00 | $10.00 | $14.00 | |
| 1957-D Franklin Half Dollar | 19,966,850 | N/A | $9.00 | $10.00 | $14.00 | |
| 1958 Franklin Half Dollar | 4,042,000 | N/A | $9.00 | $10.00 | $14.00 | |
| 1958-D Franklin Half Dollar | 23,962,412 | N/A | $9.00 | $10.00 | $14.00 | |
| 1959 Franklin Half Dollar | 6,200,000 | N/A | $9.00 | $10.00 | $14.00 | |
| 1959-D Franklin Half Dollar | 13,053,750 | N/A | $9.00 | $10.00 | $14.00 | |
| 1960 Franklin Half Dollar | 6,024,000 | N/A | $9.00 | $10.00 | $14.00 | |
| 1960-D Franklin Half Dollar | 18,215,812 | N/A | $9.00 | $10.00 | $14.00 | |
| 1961 Franklin Half Dollar | 8,290,000 | N/A | $9.00 | $10.00 | $14.00 | |
| 1961-D Franklin Half Dollar | 20,276,442 | N/A | $9.00 | $10.00 | $14.00 | |
| 1962 Franklin Half Dollar | 9,714,000 | N/A | $9.00 | $10.00 | $14.00 | |
| 1962-D Franklin Half Dollar | 35,473,281 | N/A | $9.00 | $10.00 | $14.00 | |
| 1963 Franklin Half Dollar | 22,164,000 | N/A | $9.00 | $10.00 | $14.00 | |
| 1963-D Franklin Half Dollar | 67,069,292 | N/A | $9.00 | $10.00 | $14.00 | |
*Source 2020 Red Book