Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar Collection 1948 To 1963
Introduction
The Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar Collection 1948 to 1963 is a fascinating and valuable collection of coins that commemorates one of America's most prominent founding fathers. Benjamin Franklin was a renowned statesman, inventor, and author, and his image on the half dollar coin is a fitting tribute to his many achievements.
History of the Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar
The Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar was first introduced in 1948, just three years after Franklin's death. The coin was designed by John R. Sinnock, who had previously designed the Roosevelt dime. The obverse of the coin features a profile of Franklin, while the reverse shows the Liberty Bell with the inscription "E Pluribus Unum."
Design Changes
In 1960, the design of the reverse was changed to feature the Liberty Bell superimposed over the image of the moon. This change was made to commemorate the Space Race and America's commitment to landing a man on the moon. In 1963, the design was changed again to feature the Liberty Bell with the inscription "In God We Trust."
Collecting the Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar
Collecting the Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar can be a fun and rewarding hobby for coin enthusiasts. The coins are widely available and can be found in a variety of conditions, from well-worn circulated coins to pristine uncirculated specimens.
When collecting the Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar, it's important to pay attention to the coin's condition, as this can greatly affect its value. Coins that are in excellent condition can be worth significantly more than those that are heavily worn or damaged.
Valuing the Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar
The value of a Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar depends on several factors, including its condition, rarity, and historical significance. Some of the most valuable coins in the collection are those that are in pristine uncirculated condition and those that have unique errors or variations.
As of 2021, the value of a circulated Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar ranges from around $10 to $20, depending on its condition. Uncirculated specimens can be worth significantly more, with some coins selling for hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Famous Examples
One of the most famous examples of the Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar is the 1950-D coin, which is highly sought after by collectors due to its rarity. Only around 2.6 million of these coins were minted, making them quite rare compared to other coins in the collection.
Another famous example is the 1955 Doubled Die coin, which features a unique error that causes the image of Franklin to appear doubled. This error was caused by a mistake in the minting process and is highly prized by collectors.
Conclusion
The Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar Collection 1948 to 1963 is a fascinating and valuable collection of coins that commemorates one of America's most prominent founding fathers. Whether you're a seasoned coin collector or just starting out, the Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar is a great addition to any collection.