Franklin Half Dollar

United States · 1954

A United States silver half dollar featuring a bust of Benjamin Franklin on the obverse and the Liberty Bell with a small heraldic eagle on the reverse.

Country: United States
Year: 1954
Denomination: Half Dollar ($0.50)
Metal: 90% Silver, 10% Copper

This report is AI-generated and can be wrong. Always verify grade, authenticity, and value with a qualified dealer or certified grading service before buying, selling, or insuring.

Identified August 27, 2026More united states coins →

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Overview

A United States silver half dollar featuring a bust of Benjamin Franklin on the obverse and the Liberty Bell with a small heraldic eagle on the reverse.

Historical significance

Minted during the post-WWII era, the Franklin Half Dollar series ran from 1948 to 1963. It was designed by John R. Sinnock and later modified by Gilroy Roberts. The inclusion of the Liberty Bell was intended as a symbol of American freedom, and the coin remains a popular collectible among silver enthusiasts.

Obverse (front)

Features a right-facing portrait of Benjamin Franklin. The legend "LIBERTY" curves along the top rim, "IN GOD WE TRUST" is inscribed across the lower field, and the date "1954" appears to the right of Franklin's bust.

Reverse (back)

Features the Liberty Bell prominently in the center with a small heraldic eagle to its right. Above the bell is the motto "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" with the mint mark "S" positioned just above the yoke. To the left of the bell is "E PLURIBUS UNUM", and along the bottom rim is the denomination "HALF DOLLAR".

Estimated value

$12 to $25 in circulated condition; higher uncirculated grades (MS-60+) can command $30 to $100+ depending on full bell lines.

What drives this coin's value

Overall condition (particularly the presence of 'Full Bell Lines' or FBL on the reverse), silver melt value as a base floor, and lack of cleaning or damage.

Grade assessment

About Uncirculated (AU) to Mint State (MS-60), showing minor friction on the highest points of Franklin's hair and cheek, but retaining strong design details and faint luster.

Mintage & rarity

9,931,292 minted at San Francisco in 1954; considered common in circulated grades.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check the weight (12.50g), diameter (30.61mm), and verify it passes the ping test or specific gravity test for 90% silver. Counterfeits are rare for common dates like 1954-S but can be found cast rather than struck.

Notable varieties & errors

The primary premium variety for Franklin Half Dollars is the 'Full Bell Lines' (FBL) designation, requiring all parallel lines on the bottom of the Liberty Bell to be complete and unbroken.

Similar coins

Walking Liberty Half Dollar (1916-1947) and Kennedy Half Dollar (1964-present), though neither features the Liberty Bell design.

Care & preservation

Handle only by the edges using clean hands or cotton gloves. Do not clean, polish, or wash the coin, as harsh cleaning destroys its original mint luster and significantly reduces its numismatic value. Store in a cool, dry place in archival-safe holders like non-PVC flips or slabs.