Franklin Half Tribute – A Founding Father and the Liberty Bell

Benjamin Franklin’s thoughtful profile and Philadelphia’s Liberty Bell form one of the most recognizable pairings in twentieth-century American coinage. Intaglio Mint revisits that familiar design in this 2 troy ounce .999 fine silver round, giving collectors a larger tribute to the Franklin half dollar.

The Original Franklin Half Dollar

Introduced in 1948, the Franklin half dollar replaced the Walking Liberty design and remained in production through 1963. John R. Sinnock’s portrait brought a Founding Father to a denomination long associated with an allegorical image of Liberty. Franklin’s presence celebrated a statesman whose achievements extended well beyond elected office.

The Liberty Bell reverse had an earlier connection to Sinnock’s work: the U.S. Mint’s 1948 announcement explained that he adapted it from the bell he modeled for the 1926 Sesquicentennial commemorative half dollar. The small eagle and the motto beside the bell completed a composition that balanced national symbolism with an unmistakable Philadelphia landmark.

A Familiar Design in Fine Silver

This tribute preserves the central portrait-and-bell relationship while identifying its own bullion weight. The “TWO TROY OUNCES” inscription distinguishes the modern round from the original circulating half dollar, connecting a classic design with a different collecting format.

Obverse Design

Benjamin Franklin faces right, with “LIBERTY” above and “IN GOD WE TRUST” below. A date appears to the right of his neck, following the arrangement familiar from the historic coin.

Reverse Design

The Liberty Bell is centered beneath “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” “E PLURIBUS UNUM” appears to the left and a small eagle to the right. “TWO TROY OUNCES” and the hallmark occupy the lower portion of the design.

Specifications

• Weight: 2 troy ounces
• Purity: .999 fine silver
• Diameter: 39 mm
• Thickness: approximately 6 mm
• Edge: Reeded
• Finish: Brilliant Uncirculated

Explore more designs in our silver round collection.