1950’s Franklin Silver Half Dollar

The Franklin Half Dollar honors Benjamin Franklin, the legendary colonial patriot, inventor, and statesman. Franklin was the first historical person other than a President to appear on a circulating U.S. coin.

Among his many achievements, Franklin signed both the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and the U.S. Constitution in 1787.

The reverse of the coin shows the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia.  According to tradition, the Liberty Bell was rung to announce the Declaration of Independence to the people of Philadelphia on July 4, 1776.

Also shown on the reverse is a tiny eagle.  Originally, the eagle was left off because Franklin hated eagles – but it was added at the last minute because it is required by law.

Each Franklin Silver Half Dollar was struck in .900 silver.

This Franklin Silver Half Dollar was minted in the 1950’s, meaning every coin is now well over 50 years old.

Due to the coin’s large size and its more than one-third of an ounce of silver, untold numbers of Franklin Silver Half Dollars – including the 1950’s coins – have been melted for the precious silver, leaving few for collectors. 

The 1950’s coin is symbolic of post-war economic prosperity, the baby boom, the birth of rock ‘n’ roll, the start of the space age, and the greatest cars in American history.  It is a cherished collector’s item!