How to Identify the 1949-S Franklin Half Dollar
The 1949-S Franklin half dollar is a scarcer San Francisco issue from the design's early years, identified by its Liberty Bell reverse and S mint mark.
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What It Is
The 1949-S half dollar is part of the Franklin series designed by John R. Sinnock and struck at the San Francisco Mint. San Francisco's 1949 half dollar mintage was comparatively low, giving this date and mint combination semi-key status among Franklin halves.
Obverse Design
Benjamin Franklin's portrait faces right, with "LIBERTY" arching over the top of the coin, "IN GOD WE TRUST" lettered vertically to the left of his bust, and the date placed below his shoulder.
Reverse Design
The Liberty Bell, including its distinctive crack, occupies the center with a small eagle to its right. "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" arches along the top rim, "HALF DOLLAR" curves along the bottom, and "E PLURIBUS UNUM" is lettered in small type near the bell.
Size, Weight, and Edge
The coin measures 30.6mm in diameter, weighs 12.5 grams, is struck in 90% silver and 10% copper, and has a reeded edge.
Mint Marks
The "S" mint mark is located on the reverse, above the bell's crack near the base of the bell, in the same general spot used for the "D" mint mark on Denver coins. A clean, correctly shaped "S" in that position confirms a San Francisco strike.
Telling It Apart From Similar Coins
Since Franklin halves share one design across many years, the date and mint mark together set the 1949-S apart. Look for a well-formed "S" that matches the font and size used on other genuine 1949-S coins, and confirm the date numerals have not been altered from a more common year.
Judging Condition at a Glance
Examine Franklin's hair curls and the bell's lower lines for wear. Full, separated bell lines and sharp hair strands suggest higher grades, while smoothed curls and merged bell lines point to a well-circulated coin. Original mint luster often survives in the recessed areas even on moderately worn pieces.
Authenticity Red Flags
Be cautious of mint marks that appear too large, too small, or oddly placed compared to genuine references, as well as surfaces that look artificially polished to fake sharper bell lines. Confirm the coin's silver weight and diameter, and inspect the edge reeding for consistency, since cast counterfeits often show a seam or grainy texture.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the S mint mark on a 1949 Franklin half dollar?
On the reverse, above the crack near the base of the Liberty Bell.
Why is the 1949-S considered semi-key?
San Francisco's 1949 half dollar mintage was lower than many other Franklin half dollar issues, making it scarcer in nice condition.
How do I check if the mint mark is genuine?
Compare its font, size, and placement to verified 1949-S examples and look under magnification for signs of tooling or added metal.
What areas show wear first on this coin?
Franklin's hair curls on the obverse and the horizontal lines at the base of the Liberty Bell on the reverse.