Franklin Half Dollars 1948-1963

About This Series

Breaking with the tradition of depicting presidents on circulating coinage, the Franklin Half Dollar featured Benjamin Franklin — Founding Father, inventor, and diplomat — as the first non-president on a regular-issue U.S. coin since the Walking Liberty series. Chief Engraver John R. Sinnock designed the obverse portrait, while the Liberty Bell reverse was executed from a sketch by Gilroy Roberts. Congress required that an eagle also appear on the reverse, resulting in a small eagle positioned to the right of the bell. The presence or absence of Full Bell Lines — the horizontal lines across the lower portion of the Liberty Bell — serves as the primary grading distinction, with FBL specimens commanding significant premiums. The series spans sixteen years across three mints, with the 1953 Philadelphia and 1955 issues recognized as key dates due to lower mintages. Proof production at Philadelphia (1950-1963) provides collectors with mirror-finish specimens. Struck in 90% silver, the series was replaced by the Kennedy Half Dollar in 1964 following President Kennedy's assassination.

Series Information