Franklin Half Dollars (1948-1963)

The Franklin dollar was America’s first coin series to feature a non-president and last coin series struck entirely in 90% silver. The driving force behind the creation of the Franklin half was Mint director Nillie Tayloe, who was an admirer of Benjamin Franklin. John R. Sinnock, designer of the Ben Franklin silver half dollar, had previously created a medal in 1933 that featured the founding father. This medal was possibly the inspiration for Tayloe wishing to have Franklin depicted on a coin. Sinnock unfortunately passed away before his designs were completed, but his successor Gilroy Roberts took on the project. The tiny eagle was added to the reverse to satisfy the requirements of the Mint Act of 1873, which stated “upon the reverse shall be the figure or representation of an eagle... but on the gold dollar and three-dollar piece, the dime, five, three, and one cent piece the figure of the eagle shall be omitted”. After only 15 years, Franklin half dollars ceased production and were replaced by Kennedy half dollars in 1964.

Because of the short mintage time, Ben Franklin 50 cent pieces only have 35 different dates and mint marks. This makes the series an easier one to collect. A well-known variety is the 1955 “Bugs Bunny” Franklin half dollar. The error was caused by a clash between the obverse and reverse die. Because of this clash, a marking was made near Franklin’s mouth which resembles buck teeth.