Franklin Half Dollars

The obverse (front) of the Franklin Half Dollar was designed by John R. Sinnock; the reverse was adapted from a design by John Frederick Lewis. Sinnock was also the designer of the Roosevelt dime, and his initials, "JS," appeared on the dime, as is customary in US coinage. There was a rumor (obviously false), fueled by the political climate at the time, that a Soviet agent had worked his way into the US Mint, and had placed the initials of Josef Stalin (Soviet Dictator and General Secretary of the Communist Party) into the design. To prevent this problem from happening again, Sinnock added his middle initial, "R," to the initials on the Franklin Half. Stalin's middle initial is "V." You can find the initials on the obverse of the coin on Franklin's shoulder.

The Franklin Half Dollar was minted in Philadelphia, Denver (Mint Mark "D") and San Francisco (Mint Mark "S"). The Mint Mark, indicating which mint actually struck the coin, is located on the reverse of the coin directly above the Liberty Bell. If no mark is present, the coin was minted in Philadelphia.

Benjamin Franklin is buried in Philadelphia PA, in the Christ Church Burial Ground. Franklin's grave is completely accessible to the public, as you can see in the picture, and people walk by it often. If you visit, you'll see that there is something about Franklin's grave that makes it of special interest to folks who are interested in coins. Can you guess what that might be? You'll find the answer a little further down the page in the section labeled "Benjamin Franklin's Gravesite."

The value of a coin is based on two factors. The first is how rare the coin is. This is a combination of how many coins were originally minted, and what happened to them. Some are destroyed accidentally. Some have been recalled by the government. Collectors have taken some out of circulation. As a particular type of coin has fewer examples available, it becomes more valuable.

The other factor is the physical condition of a coin. The closer to perfect a specimen is, the more valuable it becomes.

So a rare, perfect coin is much more valuable than a common, worn coin. In fact, a worn rare coin may be more valuable than a perfect common coin.

Here we are going to discuss a coin's condition.

The American Numismatic has developed a grading system to describe the condition of a coin. What I will discuss here is coins that have been minted to go into general circulation, released. The conditions of the coins are represented by names, as well as a combination of letters and numbers. I have summarized some general conditions here, along with some benchmarks.

Perfect Uncirculated (MS-70)
This indicates a coin in perfect, new condition. It shows no trace of handling, wear, or contact with other coins.

Gem Uncirculated (MS-65)
This is an above average uncirculated coin. It may be brilliant, or it may be lightly toned. There are very few contact marks either on either surface of the coin or on the rim.

Choice Uncirculated (MS-63)
This coin has some distracting contact marks and/or blemishes in the prime focal areas of one or both surfaces. The luster of the coin may be impaired.

Uncirculated (MS-60)
This coin has no trace of wear, but it may show several contact marks, and the surface of the coin may lack luster, or even be spotted.

Choice About Uncirculated (AU-55)
There is evidence of friction on the high points of the coin's design, but most of the mint luster remains.
About Uncirculated (AU-50)
This coin shows traces of light wear on many of the high points of the coin. At least half of the original mint luster is still present.

Choice Extremely Fine (EF-45)
The coin exhibits light overall wear on the highest points of the coin. Some of the original mint luster is still evident. All design details are still very clear and sharp.

Extremely Fine (EF-40)
There is light wear throughout the design, but all features of the design are still sharp and well-defined. Although not an essential element to the the definition of this grade, some traces of mint luster may still exist.

Choice Very Fine (VF-30)
Light, even wear on the surface and highest parts throughout the design. All major features of the design, as well as al lettering remain sharp.

Very Fine (VF-20)
While all major details of the design remain clear, there is moderate wear on high points of the coin's design.

Fine (F-12)
There is moderate to considerable even wear. The design remains bold, and the overall appearance of the coin is still pleasing to the eye.

Very Good (VG-8)
The coin is well worn with the main features of the design remaining clear and bold, although they have been worn somewhat flat.

Good (G-4)
This coin is heavily worn. The design is still visible, but many of the details are flat, and the design is faint in some areas.

About Good (AG-3)
This coin is very heavily worn with portions of the lettering, date, and legend have been worn smooth. In many instances, the date is barely readable.

So look at your coin, estimate its condition, then visit the website of the Professional Coin Grading Service and take a look at the PCGS estimate of possible values.

Indian Head Pennies
Learn About Indian Head Cents

Lincoln Pennies
Lincoln Cents--Wheaties and Lincoln Memorials

Liberty Nickels
Learn about Liberty Nickels, the first nickel of the Twentieth Century!

Buffalo Nickels
Learn About Buffs...my first coin lens! Did you know they are the basis of some wonderful folk art?

Jefferson Nickels
Jefferson Nickels. Did you know that some have silver content?

Barber Dimes
Barber Dimes were a wonderful coin at the beginning of the Twentieth Century

Mercury Dimes
Mercury Dimes--Actual Name Winged Liberty Dimes. But why would liberty have wings on her head? Find out here.

Roosevelt Dimes
Franklin D Roosevelt Dimes. Helped pull us out of the Depression and got his face on a coin!

Barber Quarters
Barber Quarters%u2026another coin featuring the design sculpted by the chief engraver of the US Mint.

Standing Liberty Quarters
Standing Liberty Quarters are among the favorites of collectors. Another interesting and beautiful design.

Washington Quarter
Washington Quarters%u2026a classic featuring our first President.

Barber Half Dollars
Barber Half Dollars feature Barber's rendition of the head of Liberty.

Walking Liberty Half Dollars
Walking Liberty Half Dollars--Perhaps the most beautiful of US Coins

Franklin Half Dollars
Benjamin Franklin Half Dollars -Featuring Benjamin Franklin and the Liberty Bell. Grat collector material

Kennedy Half Dollars
John F Kennedy Half Dollars began their run mere months after Kennedy's assassination and have been some of our most popular coins ever!

Morgan Silver Dollars
Morgan Silver Dollars not just prized for their silver content, they are gorgeous coins!

Peace Dollars
Peace Dollars are among my favorite coins! A gorgeous obverse side and a Standing Eagle on the Reverse!

Eisenhower Dollars
Eisenhower Dollars-The first coin I can remember to feature the Moon.

Susan B Anthony Dollar
Susan B Anthony Dollars feature a fighter for equal rights for women.

Sacagawea Dollars
Sacagawea Dollars-commemorating her contributions to the Lewis and Clark Expedition!