The Franklin Half Dollar was minted from 1948 to 1963 and features Benjamin Franklin on the obverse and the Liberty Bell on the reverse. Struck in 90% silver, it was the final U.S. half-dollar series produced in traditional silver composition before clad coinage replaced it.
Craftsmanship: The Franklin Half Dollar was minted from 1948 to 1963 in 90% silver and 10% copper. Its production represents the final era of traditional silver half dollars before the U.S. Mint moved to clad compositions, giving the series a clear place in mid-20th-century American coinage.
Design Details: John R. Sinnock’s obverse features Benjamin Franklin facing right with “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the year of issue. The reverse centers on the Liberty Bell, including its famous crack, with a small eagle, “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” and “HALF DOLLAR.”
Investment & Legacy: The Franklin Half Dollar combines 90% silver content with a short 1948–1963 production run and a distinctive Benjamin Franklin and Liberty Bell design. Date, mintmark, condition, and strike characteristics such as Full Bell Lines can add collector interest beyond the coin’s silver content.
