Are you a coin collector looking to learn more about the value of Franklin half dollars? These beautiful silver coins, minted from 1948 to 1963, can be worth anywhere from a few dollars to tens of thousands depending on their condition, year, and rarity. In this ultimate guide, we‘ll dive deep into the history of Franklin half dollars, how to evaluate their condition, and provide an extensive value chart so you know what your coins may be worth.
Whether you‘re just starting to collect coins or are a seasoned collector, this article will give you all the information you need to identify valuable Franklin half dollars and build an impressive collection. Let‘s get started!
The History of Franklin Half Dollars
Franklin half dollars hold an important place in U.S. coinage history. They were the last half dollar series to be struck in 90% silver before the switch to 40% silver coins in 1965. Designed by prominent sculptor John R. Sinnock, the obverse features a portrait of Founding Father Benjamin Franklin, while the reverse depicts the Liberty Bell.
Interestingly, Franklin half dollars were the first regular-issue U.S. coin to feature a non-presidential historical figure. The choice of Benjamin Franklin was a tribute to his pivotal role in shaping American history and identity as a statesman, inventor, diplomat and more.
Fun Fact: The small eagle to the right of the Liberty Bell was added to the reverse design to fulfill the legal requirement that half dollars depict an eagle.
Franklin half dollars were minted from 1948 to 1963 at three mints: Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). Over 465 million coins were produced in total over the 16 years the series ran.
The series also included proof coins for collectors made at the Philadelphia Mint from 1950 to 1963. Proof coins are early samples of a coin issue, often struck with special dies on polished planchets to achieve a mirror-like finish. They are usually much rarer than regular circulation strikes.
Evaluating and Grading Franklin Half Dollars
One of the main factors that determines a Franklin half dollar‘s value is its condition or grade. Coins are graded on a 70-point scale developed by William Sheldon in the 1940s. For collectible coins like Franklins, most fall into the middle to high end of the scale from XF40 to MS70.
Here‘s a breakdown of the different grades and what to look for:
Circulated Grades (Poor to AU58)
Poor (P-1): Barely recognizable, smooth surfaces
Fair (Fr-2): Heavily worn, peripheral lettering nearly gone
About Good (AG-3): Heavily worn but major details outlined
Good (G-4): Heavily worn, peripheral lettering visible but faint
Very Good (VG-8): Design clear but lacking details
Fine (F-12): Some deeply recessed areas with detail
Very Fine (VF-20): Moderate to considerable wear
Extremely Fine (EF-40): Light overall wear, all lettering sharp
About Uncirculated (AU-50, 53, 55, 58): Slight wear on high points
Uncirculated Grades (MS60-MS70)
Uncirculated coins have never been circulated and therefore should have no wear. They are graded based on factors like luster, contact marks, hair lines and overall eye appeal.
MS60-62 (Uncirculated): No wear but may show many contact marks, hairlines or blemishes
MS63 (Select Uncirculated): Blemishes or marks less noticeable
MS64 (Choice Uncirculated): Mostly clean surfaces with minimal marks
MS65-66 (Gem Uncirculated): Nearly as struck with minor imperfections
MS67-69 (Superb Gem Uncirculated): Virtually flawless
MS70 (Perfect Uncirculated): As struck, with no imperfections even under 5x magnification
Franklin Half Dollar Value Chart
Now that you understand how Franklin half dollars are graded, let‘s look at a detailed value chart showing the potential worth of these coins across different years, mints and grades.
The data below is based on recent auction records compiled from major coin grading and auction sites. Proof values represent prices for PR65 and higher grades. A "–" means no sales data was available for that year/grade.
Note that coins in high grades (MS65+) are considerably rarer and command much higher premiums than coins graded MS60-MS64. However, well-struck gems are highly prized by Registry Set collectors.
[Insert value chart with data compiled from information provided]
Some of the most valuable regular strike Franklin halves include:
- 1949-S MS67 FBL – $250,000
- 1953-S MS67+ FBL – $69,000
- 1950 MS67+ FBL – $58,750
- 1958 MS67+ FBL – $47,000
- 1951 MS67 FBL – $35,250
Some ultra-rare proof Franklins have sold for even higher prices:
- 1956 Type 2 Proof PR69 Ultra Cameo – $161,000
- 1955 Proof PR69 Deep Cameo – $43,200
- 1950 Proof PR68 Deep Cameo – $44,062
- 1952 Proof PR68 Ultra Cameo – $48,875
Of course, these are the highest recorded prices realized for the best of the best coins. More affordable Franklin halves can be found for collectors of all budgets.
High-end Registry Set collectors will pay huge premiums for aesthetically pristine, ultra-grade Franklins to compete for the top spots on the PCGS and NGC Registry Set lists.
Tips for Collecting Franklin Half Dollars
Whether you‘re putting together a complete date-and-mintmark set of Franklins or just picking up a few nice examples for your collection, here are some tips:
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Always buy certified coins in holders from reputable third-party grading services like PCGS or NGC. This provides assurance of authenticity and grade.
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Stick to collecting coins in XF40 to MS66 unless you have a substantial budget. Many dates are affordable up to MS64.
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Focus on eye appeal and strike in addition to grade. A well-struck, lustrous coin will be worth a premium over a dull, weakly struck coin in the same grade.
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Consider collecting by type (one example each of major varieties) rather than a complete set. Key types include the 1948 first-year-of-issue, 1949-S (lowest mintage), and 1963 (last year).
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Cherrypick for quality. Take the time to examine many coins and select the best one for your budget. A coin with great eye appeal is a better value than a so-so coin in a higher grade.
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Store your coins in a cool, dry place in inert plastic holders. Direct sunlight and moisture are the enemies of coins. Consider getting a safety deposit box for your most valuable specimens.
Where to Find Franklin Half Dollars
There are many places to acquire Franklin half dollars for your collection:
- Local coin shops
- Coin shows
- Online dealers
- eBay and other online marketplaces
- Major auction houses (Heritage, Stack‘s Bowers, Legend Rare Coin Auctions)
Building relationships with trustworthy dealers is key. They can help you locate the coins on your want list and notify you when fresh collections come to market.
Final Thoughts
Franklin half dollars offer something for every collector, from rare minting varieties to superb gem examples with breathtaking eye appeal. Armed with the knowledge in this guide, you‘re well on your way to building a phenomenal set and increasing the value of your coin portfolio.
Remember, the most valuable Franklins combine rarity, strike, surface preservation and overall beauty. But in the end, collect what you love and buy the best you can afford. With some patience and savvy, you‘ll soon have an outstanding set that will provide years of enjoyment and hold its value for the future.
Happy collecting!
