Complete Franklin Half Dollar Collection Value Guide

The Franklin Half Dollar collection is a premier numismatic set featuring the first non-presidential historical figure on a circulating US coin. Spanning from 1948 until its abrupt conclusion in 1963, this 90% silver series is highly sought after for its historical connection to Benjamin Franklin and the Liberty Bell.

What affects the value of Complete Franklin Half Dollar Collection?

• Condition and grade of key dates, particularly the 1949-D, 1949-S, and the 1953-S which are often found with weak strikes.
• The presence of 'Full Bell Lines' (FBL) on the reverse, which significantly increases the premium for individual coins within the set.
• The current spot price of silver, as each coin contains 0.36169 troy ounces of pure silver.
• Completeness and quality of the storage medium, such as a high-quality Dansco album or professional grading by PCGS/NGC.

How to Identify Complete Franklin Half Dollar Collection?

• Verify the presence of all 35 business strike dates and mint marks from Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco.
• Check the reverse side above the Liberty Bell for the 'D' or 'S' mint marks; Philadelphia issues remain blank.
• Look for the designer's initials 'JRS' located on the cutoff of Franklin's shoulder to confirm the John R. Sinnock design.
• Examine the Liberty Bell's horizontal lines; authentic high-grade examples show 'Full Bell Lines' (FBL) at the bottom.

History of Complete Franklin Half Dollar Collection

Introduced in 1948, the Franklin Half Dollar was the first circulating United States coin to feature a historical person who was not a president. Designed by John R. Sinnock, the coin replaced the Walking Liberty design and features Benjamin Franklin on the obverse and the Liberty Bell on the reverse. The series was cut short in 1963 following the assassination of John F. Kennedy, as Congress quickly moved to honor him on the half dollar starting in 1964.