Franklin Half Dollar

United States · 1954

A silver US half dollar featuring a bust of Benjamin Franklin on the obverse and the Liberty Bell on the reverse.

Country: United States
Year: 1954
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 17, 2026More united states coins →

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Overview

A silver US half dollar featuring a bust of Benjamin Franklin on the obverse and the Liberty Bell on the reverse.

Historical significance

Minted from 1948 to 1963, the Franklin Half Dollar was designed by John R. Sinnock. It honors one of America's most prominent Founding Fathers and was replaced by the Kennedy Half Dollar following President John F. Kennedy's assassination.

Obverse (front)

A right-facing portrait of Benjamin Franklin with the word 'LIBERTY' above and the motto 'IN GOD WE TRUST' below, with the date '1954' to the right of the portrait.

Reverse (back)

The Liberty Bell prominently displayed in the center with a small eagle to the right. The legend 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' arches across the top and 'HALF DOLLAR' arches across the bottom, with the motto 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' to the left of the bell.

Estimated value

$10-$15 in circulated condition, $20-$50+ in uncirculated condition depending on mint state grade.

What drives this coin's value

Condition/grade, presence of full bell lines (FBL) on the reverse, and melt value of silver.

Grade assessment

About Uncirculated (AU) to Mint State (MS) based on the crispness of details and minimal visible wear on the high points.

Mintage & rarity

Common in circulated grades. Millions were minted across the three mints in 1954.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check the weight (should be 12.5g for pre-1965 US silver coins), ring test, and check for counterfeit casting bubbles or incorrect dimensions.

Notable varieties & errors

Full Bell Lines (FBL) designation, where the horizontal lines on the bottom of the Liberty Bell are fully struck and uninterrupted, significantly increasing the value.

Similar coins

Walking Liberty Half Dollar, Kennedy Half Dollar

Care & preservation

Handle by the edges only using clean cotton gloves to avoid transferring skin oils. Store in an inert flip, mylar holder, or coin capsule. Never clean the coin, as harsh cleaning or polishing ruins its numismatic value.