Franklin Half Dollar

The Franklin Half Dollar is a 90% silver United States half dollar struck from 1948 through 1963. It broke with tradition by depicting a historical American figure, Benjamin Franklin, rather than an allegorical Liberty figure, reflecting a mid-20th-century shift toward honoring real people on U.S. coinage.

Collectors value the series both as an affordable way to own pre-1964 silver coinage and for its distinctive Full Bell Lines (FBL) grading designation, which rewards sharply struck examples showing complete separation of the lines at the bottom of the Liberty Bell.

The series was short-lived, replaced in 1964 by the Kennedy half dollar following President Kennedy's assassination, which adds to the Franklin half's appeal as a self-contained, collectible run.

Designed by U.S. Mint Chief Engraver John R. Sinnock, the Franklin half dollar entered production in 1948 as part of a broader mid-century effort to commemorate notable Americans on circulating coinage, following the Jefferson nickel and Roosevelt dime. Franklin, a Founding Father, printer, and diplomat, had no direct political office but was chosen for his broad civic legacy.

The coin was minted at Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco throughout its run. Production ceased abruptly in 1963 when Congress authorized the Kennedy half dollar to honor the assassinated president, cutting short what might otherwise have been a longer-running series.

Sinnock's small eagle beside the Liberty Bell on the reverse was added to satisfy a federal law requiring an eagle on the reverse of half dollars and larger coins.

The obverse shows a right-facing bust of Benjamin Franklin with "IN GOD WE TRUST" arched above and "LIBERTY" below, along with the date. The reverse depicts the Liberty Bell with a small eagle to its right (added to satisfy the legal eagle requirement) and the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "HALF DOLLAR," and "E PLURIBUS UNUM."

The coin measures about 30.6 mm in diameter and is struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, with a reeded edge. Mint marks (D for Denver, S for San Francisco; no mark for Philadelphia) appear on the reverse near the bell's base.

Collectors distinguish top-condition examples through the "Full Bell Lines" (FBL) designation, indicating the two horizontal lines at the bottom of the bell are fully struck and separated, a feature often weak due to press and die issues of the era.

Most Franklin halves are common in circulated grades and trade close to their silver bullion value. Uncirculated coins with Full Bell Lines command notable premiums, especially in gem grades (MS65 and above), since sharp strikes are relatively scarce.

Key dates and low-mintage issues in FBL condition can bring hundreds of dollars, while common dates in average circulated grade are worth mainly their metal content, roughly a few dollars up to around fifteen dollars depending on silver prices.

Proof Franklin halves (1950-1963) are popular for their mirrored fields and can be found reasonably affordably in lower proof grades, with cameo and deep cameo proofs bringing higher premiums.