1948 – 1963
The Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar was the first circulated US coin to feature a real person, who was not a 
president, in the design. The idea for a coin to honor Benjamin Franklin came from Mint Director Nellie Tayloe Ross. Franklin was very well known and respected not only for his role as one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, but also for his talents as a writer, printer, scientist and inventor.
Sinnock died in 1947 before the design was completed. He had not included an eagle in the design, although the Coinage Act of 1873 mandated that an eagle had to appear on all US silver containing coins bigger than the dime. The task of adding the eagle to the reverse was given to Gilroy Roberts.
The Federal Commission of Fine Art disapproved of the eagle’s small size as well as the inclusion of the crack in the Liberty Bell. However, the Treasury Department ignored their complaint and approved Sinnock’s design with Roberts’ eagle.
In total, including proofs, nearly 498 million Franklin Half Dollars were struck during its 16 year series. Because the Franklin Half is relatively common most coins in circulated condition are generally worth very little above the coins silver value. However, higher grade examples, particularly those with “full bell lines” can be more difficult to obtain and can bring a high price. The lowest production for the Franklin Half was in 1953 when less than 2.8 million pieces were struck at the Philadelphia Mint. The highest production was in 1963 when more than 67 million coins were struck at the Denver Mint.
The obverse of the Franklin Half Dollar features a bust of Benjamin Franklin facing to the right. The word 
“LIBERTY” appears at the top of the coin and “IN GOD WE TRUST” at the bottom. The date is to the right, just below Franklin’s chin. Sinnock included his initials, “JRS” just below Franklin’s shoulder.
The reverse side of the Franklin Half has the Liberty Bell in the center with the words “E PLURIBUS UNUM” on the left and an eagle on the right. The words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” are at the top and “HALF DOLLAR” is at the bottom. The mintmark is placed above the Liberty Bell
Ben Franklin Half Dollar Specifications:
- Minted: 1948 – 1963
- Diameter: 30.6 mm
- Weight: 12.5 g
- Composition: 90% Silver 10% Copper
- Edge: Reeded
- Designer: John Sinnock & Gilroy Roberts
I have a set of ben franklin half dollars (35 coins) 1848 through 1963. What is the set worth?
The value of your Ben Franklin halves could vary a great deal and would depend upon the condition (Grade) of the coins as well as dates and mintmarks. On the low range some may be worth around $6.00, but if they are in higher grades they may be worth much more.
Find a good coin grading guide and grade the coins yourself or take them to a professional grading service.
I have a 1962 Ben Franklin half dollars years 1962- and 1963 and they are in good condition. Im just being curious on a price ,
Ben Franklin half dollars in good, average circulated condition are worth around $5 to $8 each. Keep in mind that actual price you can get from any coin will vary. For example if you sell these to a dealer they will want to make a profit upon resale so they will not pay as much as a collector would.
i have a rare 1950 ben franklin half dollar and someone told me that the price can range anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. My question is where c an i get it looked at to find out the quality of the coin and whats the best place to sell it?
To Viktoriya- The typical 1950 Franklin Half had 7,793,509 minted; therefore, unless you have an “error” coin, it is worth about $30 in almost uncirculated condition all the way up to 2K in Cameo (Perfect) condition. If the coin is not “shiny” and without blemish, it is considered a “circulated” coin and would be worth its silver content which is about $6 with silver at about $16. This half has 90% silver content.
I have a ben franklin half-dollar proof. It is in mint condition, just wondering it is worth. Its in mint condition, totally unblemished. Thanks.
You didn’t give a date, but a Ben Franklin Half Proof dated varies widely based upon its “Proof” Grade (Proof-65 – Proof-70). A 1950 Prf-65 is priced at $500 in the 2010 Red Book; a 1955 Prf-65 is $90 (lower mintage); and a 1959 is priced at $25. (these were all made with 90% Silver). A 1961 “Clad” (no silver) is $20. These are examples. Check online to find out the going rate on websites such as coinbug.com or ebay.com. Good luck
I have a 1962 ben c0in in mint condition what is the value of this?
I purchase 30 years ago twenty 1963 Ben Franklin half dollar coins with no mint designation. Each are sealed in plastic pouches. They appear to be untouched (no scratches, very shiney). Not sure of the grade but would guess they are uncirculated.Any idea of what the value may be? Thank you.