Although it was only minted from 1948 to 1963, the Franklin half dollar is a hot item with collectors. This 50-cent piece honors founding father Benjamin Franklin. Made of 90% silver, the coin is worth far more than its face value of 50 cents. In fact, some Franklin half-dollar values can be in the thousands.
6 Most Valuable Franklin Half Dollars
Although the face value of a Ben Franklin half dollar is 50 cents, some can be worth so much more. These are some of the highest sales prices recorded for this coin in recent years.
| Franklin Half Dollar | Value |
|---|---|
| 1951 Franklin half dollar proof | $82,250 |
| 1953-S Franklin half dollar | $66,000 |
| 1953 Franklin half dollar proof | $63,250 |
| 1950 Franklin half dollar proof | $44,650 |
| 1955 Franklin half dollar proof | $43,200 |
| 1961 Franklin half dollar proof | $40,800 |
1951 Franklin Half-Dollar Proof
Proof coins often feature a more detailed strike than standard coins for circulation, and the deep cameo 1951 Franklin half-dollar proof is no exception. The profile of the founding father is very sharp on this coin, and every detail is present. Condition is important for value, too. An example in superb gem plus condition sold for $82,250 in 2017.
1953-S Franklin Half Dollar
With only a little over four million Franklin half dollars struck at the San Fransisco Mint in 1953, these are already rare coins. They're even more rare when all the lines on the Liberty Bell pictured on the reverse of the coin are clear and intact, since most coins were considered a "weak strike" at the Mint. If you have a 1953-S with full bell lines, it could be worth a lot. One sold for $66,000 in 2024.
1953 Franklin Half-Dollar Proof
Another very valuable proof coin in this series is the 1953 proof. If the strike is very good and the coin is a deep cameo with beautiful details, it can be worth a lot. One in superb gem condition sold for $63,250 in 2006. It's considered one of the very finest examples of this coin known to exist.
1950 Franklin Half-Dollar Proof
Proof coins are produced in limited quantities, and they are supposed to have way more detail than other strikes. In the case of the 1950 Franklin half-dollar proof, the Mint had not been making proofs for eight years, and many of the proofs that year lacked the detail collectors expect. That means that 1950 proofs with a lot of detail are rare and worth more. One with a beautiful deep cameo sold for $44,650 in 2017.
1955 Franklin Half-Dollar Proof
Although there are many examples of the 1955 proof for the Franklin half dollar, they tend to be marred by subtle lines and marks that came from the Mint packaging. Finding one in beautiful condition with sharp details and minimal marks is rare. An example sold for $43,200 in 2021.
1961 Franklin Half-Dollar Proof
Another high-value proof coin is the 1961 Franklin half dollar. These are very rare with the deep cameo and crisp details collectors want. Only a few perfect coins are known to exist. One in absolutely gorgeous condition sold for $40,800 in 2018.
Factors Affecting Franklin Half Dollar Values
If you have a Franklin 50-cent piece (or several), it's worth grabbing your magnifying glass to look at the details. There are a few things that can make this coin valuable.
How much is a Franklin half-dollar worth in lower grades? While proofs and gem condition coins fetch the most, even lower-grade coins are worth at least $12. That's because of the silver in these 50-cent pieces.
- Proof coins - In the case of the Ben Franklin half dollar, proofs are among the most valuable coins in the series. Unless you have a certificate of authenticity, a proof is hard to identify. However, look for sharp details and a deep cameo.
- Good condition - Coins that haven't changed hands a lot or become worn over time are worth far more. Look for a general lack of wear and good, crisp details.
- Low mint figures - Some coins in this series were minted in fairly low numbers. Watch for Franklin half dollars from 1948 and 1949, as well as 1955 and 1956 and the 1953-S and 1954-S.
Worth More Than 50 Cents
Although it wasn't minted for as long as some other 50-cent pieces, the Franklin half dollar holds an important place in the hearts of collectors. It's made from 90% silver, so if you have one around, you already know it's worth more than 50 cents.
