$1 FV 90% Silver Franklin Half Dollars

On the eve of 1948, America sought new symbols to embody its postwar optimism and democratic values. In a remarkable departure from tradition, the U.S. Mint unveiled a circulating half dollar that broke with presidential portraiture for the visage of Benjamin Franklin—one of the nation’s most dynamic Founding Fathers. This decision, championed by the trailblazing Mint Director Nellie Tayloe Ross, underscored Franklin’s legacy not merely as a statesman, but as a polymath whose influence shaped American science, diplomacy, and civic discourse. The Franklin Half Dollar thus emerged as a testament to ingenuity, innovation, and enduring national ideals.

Few American coins capture the spirit of an era as eloquently as the Franklin Half Dollar. Its introduction coincided with a period when the United States was reasserting its place on the world stage, leveraging both its historic past and its vision for the future. The coin’s artistry, directed by Chief Engraver John R. Sinnock and completed by his successor Gilroy Roberts, reflected not just a homage to Franklin himself, but also a celebration of the freedoms and principles that defined the young republic.

Collectors are often drawn to the subtle controversies that mark numismatic lore. The Franklin Half Dollar played its part: Sinnock’s initials (“JRS”), discreetly placed near Franklin’s shoulder, spurred rumors of hidden symbolism at the height of Cold War anxieties. Clarified by the Mint as an innocent nod to the engraver himself, this rumor only added to the coin’s rich narrative.

Beyond personalities and politics, the coin’s reverse places the Liberty Bell at center stage—its famous crack rendered in full detail, beckoning collectors to reflect on the sacrifices and triumphs of the American Revolution. The small eagle, tucked to the side, is a subtle nod to statutory requirements but also a reminder of the balance between liberty and vigilance. Together, these artistic choices weave a tapestry of symbolism rarely matched in mid-century U.S. coinage.

For the discerning numismatist, the Franklin Half Dollar marks the end of an era. It stands as the last regularly circulating U.S. half dollar struck entirely in 90% silver, its brief production span—just 16 years—imbuing each piece with historical weight. Each coin is not just a monetary artifact, but a silvered chapter in the American story.

Design Features

The obverse of the Franklin Half Dollar features a stately profile of Benjamin Franklin, his hair flowing past his shoulders in a style reminiscent of 18th-century portraiture. Above his head, the inscription “LIBERTY” stands proud, while “IN GOD WE TRUST” arches beneath. The artwork, celebrated for its realism and subtle dignity, establishes Franklin’s presence as both approachable and iconic. At the truncation of the shoulder, the designer’s initials are visible—an enduring tribute to the coin’s creators.

On the reverse, the Liberty Bell dominates the field, its famous crack meticulously engraved to invite close inspection. Struck with exceptional detail, the bell is flanked by the legend “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” affirming the nation’s unity and ideals. To the right, a small but powerful bald eagle sits with wings spread, symbolizing national strength and fulfilling the statutory requirement for an eagle’s presence on all U.S. silver coins. The composition is both artistically balanced and steeped in symbolism, creating a design that has become instantly recognizable among collectors worldwide.

Product Highlights

• Metal Type: SILVER – Hedge
• Purity: 0.9
• Weight: 0.715 oz
• Grade: Average Circulated
• Manufacturer: United States Mint
• Mint Mark: Various
• Grading Service: None
• IRA Eligible: No
• Obverse: A right-facing portrait of Benjamin Franklin, with “LIBERTY” above and “IN GOD WE TRUST” below, and the designer’s initials at the truncation of the shoulder.
• Reverse: A detailed Liberty Bell with the iconic crack, surrounded by inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “HALF DOLLAR,” with a small eagle to the right of the bell.

Investment Appeal

The $1 Face Value 90% Silver Franklin Half Dollars offer an enticing combination of historic value and intrinsic metal content. With each coin containing 90% silver and recognized globally for its enduring design, these half dollars are sought after by both seasoned collectors and pragmatic investors. Their limited mintage window—from 1948 to 1963—ensures continued demand, while their status as the last circulating U.S. half dollars composed almost entirely of silver cements their role as a vital hedge against inflation and market volatility. Their liquidity, broad recognition, and connection to pivotal moments in American history make these coins a compelling addition to any numismatic portfolio.