Franklin Half Dollar

United States · 1959

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

Country: United States
Year: 1959
Denomination: 50 Cents (Half Dollar)
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 half dollar featuring 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 honors one of America's founding fathers. It was designed by John R. Sinnock and completed by Gilroy Roberts after Sinnock's death. It is the last U.S. circulating coin series to feature a historical figure who was not a U.S. President.

Obverse (front)

Right-facing portrait of Benjamin Franklin with the word 'LIBERTY' above, the motto 'IN GOD WE TRUST' along the bottom, and the year '1959' to the right.

Reverse (back)

The Liberty Bell prominently displayed in the center with the crack visible, the motto 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' to the left, a small heraldic eagle to the right, 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' arched along the top, and 'HALF DOLLAR' along the bottom.

Estimated value

$10-$15 in circulated condition, $20-$50+ in uncirculated condition depending on eye appeal and full bell lines.

What drives this coin's value

Condition, presence of full bell lines (FBL) on the reverse, original mint luster, and absence of harsh cleaning or deep scratches.

Grade assessment

About Uncirculated (AU) to Mint State (MS-60/62) with light cabinet toning and minor bag marks.

Mintage & rarity

Denver mint mintage for 1959 was 13,569,780. It is common and readily available in circulated grades.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check the weight (should be 12.5g), diameter, and edge reeding. Genuine coins will have a silver ring when tapped gently and correct metallurgical composition.

Notable varieties & errors

Full Bell Lines (FBL) designation is a major value driver for uncirculated specimens, denoting sharply struck lines at the bottom of the Liberty Bell.

Similar coins

Walking Liberty Half Dollar (1916-1947) and Kennedy Half Dollar (1964-present).

Care & preservation

Handle by the edges with clean cotton gloves if uncirculated. Do not clean, polish, or wash the coin, as this destroys its numismatic value. Store in a cool, dry environment in inert flips, capsules, or certified holders.