Franklin Half Dollar

United States · 1958

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

Country: United States
Year: 1958
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 silver United States half dollar featuring the profile of Benjamin Franklin on the obverse and the Liberty Bell with a small heraldic eagle on the reverse.

Historical significance

Minted from 1948 to 1963, the Franklin Half Dollar was designed by John R. Sinnock and later modified by Gilroy Roberts. It was the first circulating US coin to feature a real, historical non-Presidential figure. Production ended prematurely in 1964 to make way for the Kennedy Half Dollar following President John F. Kennedy's assassination.

Obverse (front)

Right-facing portrait of Founding Father Benjamin Franklin. The legend 'LIBERTY' arches across the top, the motto 'IN GOD WE TRUST' is at the bottom, and the year of issue '1958' appears to the right in front of his chest. Designed by John R. Sinnock.

Reverse (back)

Features the Liberty Bell in the center. To the right of the bell is a small heraldic eagle. The mint mark 'D' is positioned just above the yoke of the bell. Inscriptions include 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' and 'HALF DOLLAR' along the rim, with 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' to the left of the bell. Designed by John R. Sinnock and Gilroy Roberts.

Estimated value

$10-$15 in circulated condition (melt/silver value plus a small premium), $20-$50+ in uncirculated condition depending on grade and mint state strike quality.

What drives this coin's value

Silver melt value forms the baseline price floor. Numismatic premium is driven primarily by the overall numerical grade (Mint State condition), presence of full bell lines (FBL) on the reverse, and absence of severe scratches, cleaning, or environmental damage.

Grade assessment

About Uncirculated (AU) to Mint State (MS-60/62). There is minor wear on the highest points of Franklin's hair and cheek as well as on the bell lines, but overall retains strong details and luster.

Mintage & rarity

40,395,750 minted at the Denver mint in 1958; common date and easily obtainable in circulated grades.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check the weight (should be approximately 12.50g), perform a ring test (90% silver produces a distinct, high-pitched ringing sound), verify the reeded edge, and check for magnetic properties (silver is not magnetic). Counterfeits are relatively rare for common-date business strikes like 1958-D unless cast or made of base metals.

Notable varieties & errors

Full Bell Lines (FBL): Coins that strike up fully showing all horizontal lines on the base of the Liberty Bell command a significant numismatic premium. Various minor Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) and repunched mint mark (RPM) varieties exist for the series.

Similar coins

Walking Liberty Half Dollar (1916-1947) and Kennedy Half Dollar (1964-present). Distinguished easily by the completely different reverse designs (Walking Liberty vs. Liberty Bell vs. Presidential Seal).

Care & preservation

Handle only by the edges using clean cotton gloves to avoid transferring oils from your skin. Do not clean, polish, or wash the coin, as harsh cleaning destroys original mint luster and significantly reduces numismatic value. Store in a secure, dry, PVC-free coin holder, flip, or album in a stable, low-humidity environment.