1952-S Franklin Half Dollar Value Guide

The 1952-S Franklin Half Dollar is a prized 90% silver coin minted in San Francisco, notable for being part of the first circulating U.S. series to feature a non-President. This specific year is highly collectible due to its historical transition from the Walking Liberty design and its unique inclusion of a small eagle next to the Liberty Bell.

What affects the value of 1952-S Franklin Half Dollar?

• The presence of 'Full Bell Lines' (FBL) on the reverse significantly increases the market value.
• Overall strike quality and the absence of bag marks or surface abrasions from the San Francisco minting process.
• The current spot price of silver, as the coin contains 0.36169 troy ounces of pure silver.
• Luster and toning, with original 'mint state' brilliance commanding prices at the higher end of the $25-$35 range.

How to Identify 1952-S Franklin Half Dollar?

• Locate the 'S' mint mark above the yoke of the Liberty Bell on the reverse side.
• Verify the 90% silver and 10% copper composition, which gives the coin a distinct metallic ring and weight.
• Check for the designer's initials 'JRS' (John R. Sinnock) at the cutoff of Franklin's shoulder.
• Examine the reverse for the small eagle required by law, positioned to the right of the Liberty Bell.

History of 1952-S Franklin Half Dollar

Introduced in 1948, the Franklin Half Dollar replaced the Walking Liberty design. It was the first time a non-President was featured on a circulating U.S. coin. Benjamin Franklin famously opposed the eagle as the national symbol, preferring the turkey, yet a small eagle was included next to the Liberty Bell on the reverse to satisfy legal requirements.