Franklin Half Dollars: Key Dates, Errors & Value Guide
Discover the history, key rarities, famous errors, and growing collector demand behind Franklin Half Dollars — America’s most iconic mid-20th-century silver coin.
📘 Download the full guide: Numismatics Handbook — A +135-page expert resource on U.S. coin collecting.
Why Franklin Half Dollars Matter
Minted from 1948 to 1963, the Franklin Half Dollar series represents postwar America’s optimism and rapid growth.
Designed by John R. Sinnock, these coins feature:
- Obverse: A portrait of Benjamin Franklin, one of America’s most influential Founding Fathers.
- Reverse: The Liberty Bell, symbolizing freedom — complete with the famous crack detail.
Collectors love Franklin Half Dollars for:
🪙 High Silver Content — 90% silver (0.3617 troy ounces per coin).
🛎️ Iconic Liberty Bell Reverse — Popular with both stackers and collectors.
🔎 Key Dates and Full Bell Lines (FBL) — Full Bell Lines command major premiums.
🧩 Exciting Errors and Varieties — Bugs Bunny errors, doubled dies, RPMs.
🔥 Affordability and Set-Building Potential — Complete sets are achievable for most budgets.
Whether you’re investing in silver, hunting full bell lines, or completing a date/mintmark set, Franklin Half Dollars offer beauty, value, and history.
Franklin Half Dollar Values & Key Dates by Year
| Year | Mint Mark | Est. Value (Avg.) | Rare Variant? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1949-S | S | $100–$800+ | Semi-Key, Tough in FBL |
| 1955 | No Mint | $80–$500+ | Low Mintage Year |
| 1953-S | S | $50–$400+ | Hard to Find in FBL |
| 1963-D | D | $30–$150 | Last Year of Issue |
| 1952-S | S | $40–$200+ | Strike-Dependent Rarity |
✅ GoldSilver Tip: Franklin Half Dollars with Full Bell Lines (FBL) can be worth 2x–10x more than weakly struck examples!
Key Features of Franklin Half Dollars
✨ Design Franklin’s portrait and the crack-detailed Liberty Bell are iconic — a break from classical allegorical figures to real historic leadership.
🏛️ Historical Significance Issued post-World War II, the Franklin Half represents America’s booming economic power and cultural influence.
🛠️ Mintage Periods Struck from 1948 until 1963 — ended abruptly after JFK’s assassination.
🥈 Composition 90% Silver and 10% Copper; weight: 12.5 grams.
💎 Collection Appeal Highly popular for affordable silver stacking, registry sets, and the pursuit of Full Bell Lines!
✅ Tip: San Francisco Mint (S) coins from the early 1950s are particularly hard to find with sharp strikes.
Most Valuable Franklin Half Dollars (Detailed Breakdown)
- 1949-S Franklin Half Dollar — $100–$800+
Early semi-key date; very tough to find fully struck. - 1955 Franklin Half Dollar — $80–$500+
Lowest mintage regular issue of the series (just 2.5 million made). - 1953-S Franklin Half Dollar — $50–$400+
Poor strikes make FBL examples rare and desirable. - 1951 Franklin Half Dollar — $30–$150+
Early series coin, low availability in MS65 or better. - 1963-D Franklin Half Dollar — $30–$150
Final year of issue; popular among set completers.
Comparison: Franklin vs Walking Liberty Half Dollars
| Feature | Franklin Half Dollar (1948–1963) | Walking Liberty Half Dollar (1916–1947) |
|---|---|---|
| Theme | Founding Father and Freedom | Liberty, Strength, and Renewal |
| Design | Franklin and Liberty Bell | Liberty Walking and Eagle |
| Strike Challenges | Full Bell Lines (FBL) | Full Hand Strikes |
| Popular Key Dates | 1949-S, 1955 | 1921, 1921-D, 1938-D |
| Collector Demand | Growing Rapidly | Extremely Strong |
✅ Insight: Franklins are accessible but competitive — Full Bell Line examples have a rabid collector base!
Common Franklin Errors and Varieties
🛠️ Top Franklin Half Dollar Errors:
- Bugs Bunny Die Clash (1955) — Franklin appears to have “buck teeth” from die clash with the eagle.
- Doubled Dies — Especially in the motto or lettering.
- Repunched Mintmarks (RPMs) — On early S-mint issues.
- Full Bell Lines (FBL) — Struck cleanly across all horizontal bell lines without interruption.
✅ Error Tip: PCGS/NGC certified FBL examples and error varieties can sell for major premiums — sometimes 5x more than non-FBL coins!
How to Sell Franklin Half Dollars
Step 1: Identify Full Bell Lines (FBL)
FBL-certified coins command top dollar — check the horizontal lines on the Liberty Bell!
Step 2: Grade Smartly
Coins MS63 and above — especially with FBL — can dramatically outperform average coins.
Step 3: Choose the Best Platform
- eBay: Good for circulated or average raw coins.
- GreatCollections: Perfect for graded MS63–MS66 examples.
- Heritage Auctions: Best for rare, MS66+ FBL coins.
✅ Selling Tip: Show ultra-clear photos of the bell lines and mintmarks to boost your final auction price!
How to Store and Preserve Franklin Half Dollars
🏛️ Use Archival Materials — Acid-free holders, PCGS/NGC slabs, or hard capsules.
🌡️ Climate Stability — Low humidity, cool temperatures protect the silver.
🧤 Handle With Care — Cotton gloves only or by edges to prevent oil stains.
🧽 Never Clean — Original patina is prized; cleaned coins are penalized heavily by graders.
✅ Bonus: Naturally toned Franklins — especially gold, blue, or rainbow hues — can add 20–50%+ auction premiums!
What are Franklin Half Dollars?
Franklin Half Dollars are U.S. silver coins minted between 1948 and 1963, featuring Benjamin Franklin on the obverse and the Liberty Bell on the reverse. They are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper.
Why are Franklin Half Dollars collectible?
Collectors love Franklin Half Dollars for their affordable entry point, historic design, and the challenge of finding coins with Full Bell Lines (FBL) — a sharp strike feature on the Liberty Bell.
What are Full Bell Lines (FBL) on a Franklin Half Dollar?
Full Bell Lines refer to the horizontal lines across the Liberty Bell being completely visible and uninterrupted. FBL coins command major premiums, especially in higher Mint State grades.
What is the rarest Franklin Half Dollar?
The 1955 Franklin Half Dollar is considered the key date due to its low mintage, while 1949-S and 1953-S are also highly sought after, especially in Full Bell Line condition.
How much silver is in a Franklin Half Dollar?
Each Franklin Half Dollar contains approximately 0.3617 troy ounces of pure silver. Its total weight is 12.5 grams.
What are common Franklin Half Dollar errors?
Top errors include the 1955 “Bugs Bunny” die clash, doubled dies in some dates, repunched mintmarks (especially on early S-mint issues), and off-center strikes.
How can I tell if my Franklin Half Dollar is valuable?
Look for key dates like 1949-S, 1955, and coins with Full Bell Lines (FBL). Higher-grade coins (MS63+) with strong luster and full details are much more valuable.
Should I clean my Franklin Half Dollar before selling?
No. Cleaning significantly reduces the value of any Franklin Half Dollar. Collectors and graders prefer coins with original surfaces and natural patina.
Where is the best place to sell rare Franklin Half Dollars?
For circulated coins, eBay works well. For high-grade or FBL examples, auction houses like GreatCollections or Heritage Auctions deliver stronger results.
Are Franklin Half Dollars a good investment?
Yes. Franklin Half Dollars offer strong silver bullion value, collectible demand, and excellent upside in Full Bell Line specimens — especially for scarce dates.