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Ben Franklin Half Dollar

A Design Honoring a Founding Father

The Benjamin Franklin half dollar enjoyed a brief yet significant run in U.S. coinage history, minted from 1948 to 1963. However, its reign was cut short by a national tragedy.

The coin's obverse proudly displays a portrait of Benjamin Franklin, a polymath revered for his contributions to American independence, science, and philosophy. The reverse features the iconic Liberty Bell, a powerful symbol of freedom and resistance. An interesting detail is the inclusion of a small eagle, despite Franklin's preference for the wild turkey as the national symbol.

A Collectible Piece of American History

Despite its shorter lifespan, the Benjamin Franklin half dollar remains a sought-after collectible for numismatists. Its historical significance and beautiful design continue to captivate collectors.

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Details

Silver Content – 0.36169 oz.
Gross Weight – 12.50 g
Composition – 90% silver, 10% copper
Coin Diameter – 30.6 mm
Mint Dates – 1948-1963

Minting Legacy

Over 510 million Franklin half dollars were minted during its lifespan. Philadelphia produced coins without a mint mark, while Denver and San Francisco used "D" and "S" marks, respectively. The mint mark's location is above the bell yoke on the reverse. Engraver John R. Sinnock's initials can be found near Franklin's shoulder on the obverse.

The Benjamin Franklin half dollar's legacy is intertwined with the tragic assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963. Congress expedited the creation of the Kennedy half dollar as a tribute, effectively ending the Franklin design's circulation nine years earlier than its scheduled rotation.