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  • Mintages
    The Franklin Half Dollar series runs from 1948 to 1963. During this time, coins were produced at the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mints. For certain years the Denver and San Francisco facilities did not produce coins.
  • Specifications
    The Franklin Half Dollar was struck in a composition of 90% silver and 10% copper, which had long been the standard for the denomination. Each coin carries a maximum diameter of 30.6 mm and has a weight of 12.50 grams for uncirculated pieces. Coins which have been circulated may see a slightly lower weight due to the impact of circulation.
  • Images
    Franklin Half Dollars are a popular series to collect in higher mint state grades. In many cases collectors will prefer coins that have been encapsulated and graded by PCGS or NGC, the two leading coin grading companies. The coins are sealed into plastic holders and assigned a numerical grade.

    • Store Pages
  • 1948
    The first year of issue for the Franklin Half Dollar series. The new series followed the Walking Liberty Half Dollar series, which many consider to be one of the most beautiful US coin designs. Franklin Halves presented a stark contrast to the design and
  • 1949
    The second year of issue for the Franklin Half Dollar series. Even though it is not the lowest mintage coin in the series, the 1949-D is usually cited as the key date of the Franklin Half series. The value shows a premium primarily for higher grade coins.
  • 1950
    The Franklin Half Dollar series continued in 1950. This also marked the first year that proof coins were minted. The 1950 Proof Franklin Half had the lowest proof mintage of the series and is difficult to find with a cameo finish.
  • 1951
    The Franklin Half series continued in 1951. This year coins were minted at the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mints. As typical of most San Francisco strikes, the coins experience weak strikes with "mushy" details. As a result "S" mint coins are
  • 1952
    The 1952 Franklin Half was struck at the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mints. There was also a proof version of the coin struck at the Philadelphia Mint. As with all other years emphasis is often placed on coins with Full Bell Lines.
  • 1953
    The 1953 Franklin Half Dollar was produced at the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mints. Of particular interest is the 1953-S Franklin Half, which is extremely scarce with Full Bell Lines. Conditionally this is the most challenging coin of the se
  • 1954
    The 1954 Franklin Half coins were minted at Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. Notably this was the final year that Franklin Halves were produced at the San Francisco Mint.
  • 1955
    For 1955, Franklin Halves were only produced at the Philadelphia Mint. This year also provides the variety known as the "Bugs Bunny" Franklin Half. This coin takes its name from a split of Franklin's lip that resembles Bugs Bunny teeth.
  • 1956
    The Franklin Half Dollar series continued in 1956. Once again coins were only produced at the Philadelphia Mint. Coins were struck for circulation and proof coins were minted for coin collectors.
  • 1957
    The Franklin Half Dollar series continued in 1957. This year coins were produced at the Philadelphia and Denver Mints. Proof coins were produced in Philadelphia. These high quality strikes are produced for government issued Proof Sets.
  • 1958
    The Franklin Half series continues in 1958. Coins were minted in Philadelphia and Denver. This year year higher grade coins are relatively more common. Look for coins with Full Bell Lines.
  • 1959
    Franklin Half Dollar coins were produced at the Philadelphia and Denver Mints. Although better quality coins are more common, many are still hampered by contact marks. Coins with Full Bell Lines are the most desirable.
  • 1960
    Franklin Half Dollar coins were produced at the Philadelphia and Denver Mints in the year 1960. Proof coins were also minted for coin collectors. Although better quality coins are more common than previous years, many are still hampered by contact mark
  • 1961
    In 1960, Franklin Half Dollar coins were produced at the Philadelphia and Denver Mints. Proof coins were also minted for coin collectors. Although better quality coins are relatively more common than previous years, many are still hampered by contact ma
  • 1962
    Although no one expected it at the time, the 1962 Franklin Half Dollar would be the second to last coin in the series. Coins were minted at the Philadelphia and Denver mints for circulation strike coins and at the Philadelphia mint for coins struck in Pr
  • 1963
    This marked the abrupt end to the Franklin Half Dollar series. Although coin series were required to run for at least 25 years before a change of designs, this time it was cut short by the assassination of President Kennedy.
  • Full Bell Lines
    Franklin Half Dollars are often characterized by weak strikes or excessive contact marks. This is because of the relatively flat, broad surfaces of the coins. Collectors use the designation "Full Bell Lines" to refer to coins which have all of the horizon
  • Deep Cameo
    Proof Franklin Half Dollars were minted from 1950 to 1963. Collectors often seek out proof coins with Deep Cameo finishes. This refers to proof coins which exhibit frosted raised design elements over mirrored backgrounds
  • Complete Sets
    The Franklin Half Dollar was produced from 1948 to 1963. During these years production took place at the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mints. At various times during the series, production did not take place at one or more of the mints.
  • CAC Verified
    An intriguing development in the market for certified rare coins has been the rise of the Certified Acceptance Corporation or CAC. This company reviews coins previously graded by PCGS or NGC and assigns a sticker for coins which meet their criteria. This