1948 - 1963
The Franklin half dollar
A short series, entirely 90% silver, ended early to put Kennedy on the half dollar. Collectors pay attention to whether the horizontal lines on the bell are fully struck.
Composition
| Years | Alloy | Weight | Silver | At spot |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1948-1963 | 90% silver | 12.50 g | 0.3617 ozt | $24.64 |
The design
Designed by John R. Sinnock. The obverse shows Benjamin Franklin facing right; the reverse shows the Liberty Bell, with a small eagle to satisfy the statute. The coin measures 30.6mm across.
Finding the mint mark
Reverse, above the beam of the Liberty Bell.
Mint marks matter more than most people expect: the same date from a different mint can be a common coin or a scarce one. What each letter means.
Every date in the series
Weights, finenesses and diameters are Mint specifications set by the Coinage Acts. Silver weight is calculated from them. No mintage figures or catalogue values appear on this site; here is why.