The Franklin Half Dollar is widely considered to be one of the most attractive and well-designed coins in U.S. history. Despite being out of circulation for many years, these coins are still highly sought after by collectors and investors alike.
The Franklin Half Dollar is one of the rarest coins in American history. The coin was minted from 1948 to 1963, and only a few remain in circulation today. Because of its rarity, it has become highly sought after by coin collectors and investors.
Let’s explore the value of the Franklin Half Dollar, from market trends to the factors that influence its worth. We’ll also discuss what makes it so desirable for collectors, why some experts believe its value will continue to increase over time, and where you can acquire one.
Franklin Half Dollars Value
At current prices, a Franklin half dollar is between $9 and $11.50. This range applies to coins in circulated conditions. Uncirculated examples may be worth significantly more depending on condition and date.
It is important to note that some unique, rare, and error pieces of Franklin half dollars can reach high prices at auctions. Depending on the year and condition, a single coin can be worth anywhere from a few dollars to thousands of dollars.
For example, the 1953-S MS Franklin half dollar is known for its rarity and can be worth up to $69,000 in mint condition.
Most Valuable Franklin Half Dollars
Franklin half dollars are some of the most valuable coins in the world. Minted between 1948 and 1963, these coins are relatively rare and highly sought after by collectors. While most of Franklin's half dollars are worth only a few, some are worth much more. The most valuable Franklin half dollars were minted in 1950s.
These coins are extremely rare and can fetch thousands of dollars at auction. Other highly valued Franklin half dollars include those from the 1950s and early 1960s, which are also quite rare. Even common Franklin half dollars from the 1940s and early 1950s can be worth $50 or more if they are in pristine condition.
1958 MS 67
The 1958 MS 66 FBL Franklin half dollar is one of the most valuable coins in the world, worth an estimated $129,250. This coin is incredibly rare and has been certified by the Professional Coin Grading Service as being in perfect condition.
Only a handful of these coins are known to exist, making them a highly coveted item for collectors. The coin's obverse features a portrait of Benjamin Franklin, while the reverse depicts the Liberty Bell.
1963 MS 66+
In 2019, a Franklin Half Dollar graded MS 66+ FBL sold for $85,187.50. This is an extremely valuable coin, as it is one of the highest grades a Franklin Half Dollar can achieve. The coin was minted in Philadelphia and had full bell lines, which signifies its high quality.
1953 S MS 66
The 1953 S MS 66 FBL is a valuable Franklin Half Dollar. It was minted in 1953 and had a grade of MS 66 from the Professional Coin Grading Service. According to an auction Bowers & Merena auction in 2001, it is worth $69,000.
1952 MS 67+
The 1952 MS 67+ FBL is a highly sought-after coin by collectors due to its perfect condition and high grade. It is one of only two known examples to receive the MS 67+ designation from professional coin grading services, making it a true rarity.
As a result of its extreme rarity and collectability, the 1952 MS 67+ Franklin Half Dollar has a current value of over $42,000. It makes it one of the most valuable coins in the world and an actual prize for any serious collector.
Most Rare Franklin Half Dollars
The Franklin Half Dollar was minted from 1948 until 1963 and was the first US coin to feature an American President on the obverse.
While there are many common dates in the Franklin Half Dollar series, some rare dates can command a high price from collectors. Some of the series' rarest and most valuable dates include the 1951-D, 1952-D, 1953-D, 1954-D, 1955-D, and 1963-D coins. These coins can be worth thousands of dollars in pristine condition.
1963 D MS 66+ FBL Franklin half dollar
The 1963 D MS 66+ FBL Franklin half dollar is one of the rarest and most sought-after coins worldwide. This coin was minted in limited quantities and is extremely difficult to find in circulated conditions. Even in uncirculated condition, this coin is highly scarce and commands a hefty price tag. Investors and collectors alike covet this coin for its rarity and desirability.
1952 MS 67+ FBL Franklin half-dollar
While most Franklin half-dollars are worth only a small premium above their silver melt value, some coins are rare and highly sought after by collectors. The 1952 MS 67+ FBL Franklin half-dollar is one such coin.
The History of the Franklin Half Dollar
The Franklin half-dollar is a coin that was minted from 1948 to 1963. It was the first US coin to feature the image of a real person, Benjamin Franklin, on the obverse (front). The reverse (back) design features the Liberty Bell. The coin was minted until 1963, when the Kennedy half dollar replaced it.
The coin was minted at the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mints and is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. Due to its silver content, the coin is popular among collectors and has a higher value than the other half dollar. The most valuable Franklin Half Dollars are those minted in 1948 (the first year of production) and 1963 (the last year). These coins can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars, depending on the condition.
How to Grade Coins
Franklin half dollars were minted from 1948 to 1963. During that time, there were two types of Franklin coins minted: regular strike and proof coins.
A proof coin is specially made for collectors and has a mirror-like finish. A regular strike coin is the type most often seen in circulation.
The main way to distinguish proof from regular strike coins is the coin’s colour. Proof coins are struck with greater force than regular strikes, so they have a sharper image and usually have a frosted or satin finish. The fields (background) on proof coins are also profoundly mirrored. In contrast, regular strike coins have a normal finish, and their fields are slightly mirrored.
A few things to consider when grading coins include the coin's condition and the year it was minted. Here are the most common grades for Franklin Half Dollars:
- Uncirculated: A coin that has not been circulated and is in mint condition.
- Extremely Fine: A coin that has been circulated but is in excellent condition with minimal wear.
- Very Fine: A coin that has been circulated but is still in good condition with some wear.
- Fine: A coin that has been circulated and shows moderate wear.
- Very Good: A coin that has been well-circulated and shows significant wear.
- Good: A heavily worn coin may be missing some details.
- Fair: A significantly worn coin may be missing important details. Poor: A very badly worn coin may be missing most of its details.
Criteria to Use to Evaluate an Uncirculated Coin
You should use four criteria to evaluate an uncirculated coin: strike, surface preservation, luster, and eye appeal. Let’s take a closer look at each one.
Strike refers to the sharpness of the coin’s features. A well-struck coin will have crisp, raised features that stand out in relief against the flat surfaces. A poorly struck coin will have weak or blurred features.
Surface preservation measures how well the coin has been preserved over time. A coin with no visible wear or tear will be graded higher than a coin with scratches, nicks, or other damage.
Luster is a measure of the coin’s shine. A coin with good luster will have a bright, mirror-like finish. A coin with poor luster will appear dull and lifeless.
Eye appeal is a subjective criterion that refers to the overall attractiveness of the coin. A coin with good eye appeal will be pleasing, while a coin with poor eye appeal will be less attractive.
The Bottom Line
The bottom line is that the Franklin half dollar value is very much dependent on the date, mintmark, and condition of your coin. Even though there are some higher-priced outlier coins, most Franklin halves will be worth between $9 and $11.
If you have a common date/mintmark combination in circulated condition, your coin will likely be worth closer to $5. To get an accurate estimate of your coin's value, it's best to consult a professional numismatist or dealer. They will be able to give you a more accurate valuation based on the current market conditions.
