Franklin Half Dollar

About This Series

John R. Sinnock designed the Franklin half dollar, and it ran for just 16 years - from 1948 until Kennedy's assassination prompted a memorial coin in 1964. The reverse features the Liberty Bell and a small eagle required by law on half dollars; that small eagle is one of the more awkward design compromises in US coinage history. Collectors grade these heavily on "Full Bell Lines" (FBL), with well-struck examples commanding strong premiums. The 1949-S is the key date by mintage; the 1955 is scarce too. Generally a short, affordable series for type collectors and a challenging one in FBL.