Franklin Half Dollars (1948-1963)

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The Franklin Half Dollar is U.S. Silver coin and carries a face value of 50 cents. These Silver coins were minted from 1948 to 1963. Designed by Chief Engraver, John R. Sinnock brought about a couple of important changes to America’s coinage. They marked the change of U.S. coin designs from allegorical figures to portraits of Americans of historical significance. Franklin Halves also marked the end of what is considered to have been the "golden age of American coinage art.".

The Franklin Half Dollar came about because then-U.S. Mint director Nellie Ross was an admirer of Franklin and wanted his likeness depicted on a coin. In 1947, Ms. Ross instructed the U.S. Mint’s chief engraver, John Sinnock, to begin working on designs for the coin. Before he completed his designs, Mr. Sinnock passed away, and his successor, Gilroy Roberts, completed the final design.

The coins were first released in April of 1948. Soon after, the controversy began. Sinnock’s initials, JRS, appeared on the coin at the cutoff of Franklin’s shoulder. Some believed that these initials were a tribute to former Soviet dictator, Joseph Stalin. The U.S. Mint quickly explained that these initials were simply Sinnock’s and made no changes to the design. Franklin Half Dollars were then regularly minted until 1963. In 1964, the coin was replaced by the Kennedy Half Dollar.

Certified Franklin Half Dollars

Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) represent the industry standard in third-party certification. Each specimen is given a grade according to the Sheldon Scale. Grading standards refer to the descriptions assigned to each number of the grading scale, explained in more detail below:

• MS/PF-70: A coin with no post-production imperfections at 5x magnification.
• MS/PF-69: A fully struck coin with nearly imperceptible imperfections.
• MS/PF-68: Very sharply struck with only miniscule imperfections.
• MS/PF-67: Sharply struck with only a few imperfections.
• MS/PF-66: Very well struck with minimal marks and hairlines.
• MS/PF-65: Well struck with moderate marks or hairlines.
• MS/PF-64: Average or better strike with several obvious marks or hairlines and other miniscule imperfections.
• MS/PF-63: Slightly weak or average strike with moderate abrasions and hairlines of varying sizes.
• MS/PF-62: Slightly weak or average strike with no trace of wear. More or larger abrasions than an MS/PF-63.
• MS/PF-61: Weak or average strike with no trace of wear. More marks and/or multiple large abrasions.
• MS/PF-60: Weak or average strike with no trace of wear. Numerous abrasions, hairlines and/or large marks.
• AU-58: Slight wear on the highest points of the design. Full details.
• AU-55: Slight wear on less than 50% of the design. Full details.
• AU-53: Slight wear on more than 50% of the design. Full details except for very minor softness on the high points.
• AU-50: Slight wear on more than 50% of the design. Full details except for minor softness on the high points.
• XF-45: Complete details with minor wear on some of the high points.
• XF-40: Complete details with minor wear on most of the high points.
• VF-35: Complete details with wear on all of the high points.
• VF-30: Nearly complete details with moderate softness on the design areas.
• VF-25: Nearly complete details with more softness on the design areas.
• VF-20: Moderate design detail with sharp letters and digits.
• F-15: Recessed areas show slight softness. Letters and digits are sharp.
• F-12: Recessed areas show more softness. Letters and digits are sharp.
• VG-10: Wear throughout the design. Letters and digits show softness.
• VG-8: Wear throughout the design. Letters and digits show more softness.
• G-6: Peripheral letters and digits are full. Rims are sharp.
• G-4: Peripheral letters and digits are nearly full. Rims exhibit wear.
• AG-3: Most letters and digits are readable. Rims are worn into the fields.
• FR-2: Some details are visible. Rims are barely visible.
• PO-1: Enough detail to identify the coin's date and type. Rims are flat or nearly flat.

Franklin Half Dollars (1948-1963) Mintage Figures

The following are the mintage figures for the Franklin Half Dollars, minted from 1948 to 1963. Find the value of Franklin Half Dollars and other historic U.S. coins and get a better idea of your collection's value today.

• 1948 - 3,006,814
• 1948-D - 4,028,600
• 1949 - 5,614,000
• 1949-D - 4,120,600
• 1949-S - 3,744,000
• 1950 - 7,742,123
• 1950-D - 8,031,600
• 1951 - 16,802,102
• 1951-D - 9,475,200
• 1951-S - 13,696,000
• 1952 - 21,192,093
• 1952-D - 25,395,600
• 1952-S - 5,526,000
• 1953 - 2,668,120
• 1953-D - 20,900,400
• 1953-S - 4,148,000
• 1954 - 13,188,202
• 1954-D - 25,445,580
• 1954-S - 4,993,400
• 1955 - 2,498,181
• 1956 - 4,032,000
• 1957 - 5,114,000
• 1957-D - 19,966,850
• 1958 - 4,042,000
• 1958-D - 23,962,412
• 1959 - 6,200,000
• 1959-D - 13,053,750
• 1960 - 6,024,000
• 1960-D - 18,215,812
• 1961 - 8,290,000
• 1961-D - 20,276,442
• 1962 - 9,714,000
• 1962-D - 35,473,281
• 1963 - 22,164,000
• 1963-D - 67,069,292

Collecting U.S. Mint Half Dollar Coins

Collecting half dollar coins from the U.S. Mint offers a tangible glimpse into the past. From famous statesmen like Benjamin Franklin to historic issues like the Liberty Seated series, each half dollar represents a piece of the nation's past. Buying half dollars is more than just collecting coinage, it is preserving and celebrating the heritage of the nation. Every coin serves as a reminder of the values and milestones that have shaped the United States.

Collecting Kennedy Half Dollar Coins

In 1964, the Kennedy Half Dollar replaced the Franklin Half Dollar, marking the end of one chapter in numismatic history and the beginning of another. Struck in 90% silver for its inaugural year, the 1964 Kennedy Half represents a poignant tribute to President John F. Kennedy and stands as a significant collectible alongside the Franklin series. Its introduction symbolized a nation in mourning, transitioning from celebrating Benjamin Franklin's legacy to honoring a modern American leader.

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