Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar




This design was the final work of John R. Sinnock, mint engraver, who also designed the long running Roosevelt Dime as well as the Sesquicentennial Half Dollar and $2.50 Gold Commemoratives. The obverse and reverse models of the Benjamin Franklin Half were completed only a few weeks before his death in May of 1947.

Proof specimens were struck at the Philadelphia Mint from 1950 through 1963. While still an affordable series for most collectors, finding boldly struck specimens can be surprisingly difficult with certain issues being truly scarce.



Diameter: 30.6 mm

Weight: 192.9 grains (12.5 grams)

Composition: 90% silver - 10% copper

Designer John R. Sinnock

Engraver: John R. Sinnock

Mint Marks: Philadelphia (none), Denver (D), San Francisco (S) - found above Liberty Bell on reverse

Obverse: Head and shoulders portrait of Franklin facing right with LIBERTY above and IN GOD WE TRUST below. The date is to the right.

Reverse: Liberty Bell (similar to that used by Sinnock on the 1926 Sesquicentennial Half Dollar modeled from a sketch by John Frederick Lewis) with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA above and HALF DOLLAR below. The motto E PLURIBUS UNUM is to the left with a small eagle to the right.

Edge: Reeded







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