Franklin Half Dollar

United States · 1957

A circulated 1957 US Franklin half dollar featuring Benjamin Franklin on the obverse and the Liberty Bell with a small eagle on the reverse.

Country: United States
Year: 1957
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 circulated 1957 US Franklin half dollar featuring Benjamin Franklin on the obverse and the Liberty Bell with a small eagle on the reverse.

Historical significance

Minted during the post-WWII Eisenhower era, the Franklin half dollar series ran from 1948 to 1963. It was designed by John R. Sinnock and completed by Gilroy Roberts.

Obverse (front)

Right-facing portrait of founding father Benjamin Franklin. Inscriptions include 'LIBERTY' along the top edge and 'IN GOD WE TRUST' along the bottom, with the year '1957' to the right.

Reverse (back)

Central depiction of the Liberty Bell with the motto 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' to the left and a small heraldic eagle to the right. The legend 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' arches along the top, and 'HALF DOLLAR' arches along the bottom. The 'D' mint mark is located at the top center above the bell yoke.

Estimated value

$10 to $15 in circulated condition (melt value plus a small collector premium)

What drives this coin's value

Overall condition/grade, presence of full bell lines (FBL) on the reverse, and current spot price of silver.

Grade assessment

About Uncirculated (AU) / Very Fine (VF) showing moderate wear on the highest points of Franklin's hair and cheek, as well as the lines on the Liberty Bell.

Mintage & rarity

Common date with a Denver mint mintage of 34,717,800 coins.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check the weight (should be 12.5g for pre-1965 90% silver US half dollars), perform a ping test, or check for the distinct reeded edge and correct dimensions. Counterfeits for common date 1957 halves are very rare.

Notable varieties & errors

Full Bell Lines (FBL) designation, where the horizontal lines across the bottom of the Liberty Bell are fully struck and uninterrupted, which commands a higher premium.

Similar coins

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

Care & preservation

Handle by the edges only using cotton gloves if possible. Do not clean, polish, or wash the coin, as this destroys its original surfaces and significantly reduces its numismatic value. Store in an archival-safe 2x2 flip, capsule, or coin album away from high humidity and sulfur.