Franklin Half Dollar

Minted only from 1948-1963, a short 16 years, the Franklin Half Dollar series production was interrupted by the untimely death of President John F. Kennedy. The design, by John Sinnock, was actually rejected by the Commission of Fine Arts because of the crack in the Bell on the Reverse and the tiny eagle just to the right of the Bell. Fortunately their decision was overridden by the Treasury Department and we have this fine example of the silver half dollar to enjoy.

The Franklin half dollar is also famous for carrying the likeness of Benjamin Franklin, scholar, scientist, diplomat and skilled negotiator on the obverse instead of the usual likeness of Lady Liberty. The coin is 30.6 mm in diameter, 12.50 grams, reeded on the edge and is composed of .900 fine silver.

Because they were produced in such large quantities there are no rare or key dates, and the greatest interest is in finding those examples with Full Bell Lines "FBL" which indicate that the horizontal lines of the bell on the reverse are complete across the bells width. The "FBL" variety particularly the 1953 S and 1963 are especially sought after and therefore valued considerably higher. It is recommended that any purchase of "FBL" Franklin half dollars be those that have been certified by NGC, PCGS or ANACS to ensure you're getting what you've paid for.

Below you'll find several listings of certified Franklin Half Dollars. See one that you're interested in simply click on the link to find out more about that particular coin.