1956 Franklin Half Dollar Type 1 Vs Type 2
If you're a coin collector, you're probably familiar with the Franklin Half Dollar. This coin was minted from 1948 to 1963 and was designed by John R. Sinnock. It features Benjamin Franklin on the obverse and the Liberty Bell on the reverse. However, there are two different types of the 1956 Franklin Half Dollar: Type 1 and Type 2. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the differences between the two and what makes them valuable to collectors.
Type 1
The Type 1 1956 Franklin Half Dollar can be identified by the small eagle on the reverse. This eagle is located above the bell and has its wings pointed upwards. This design was originally used on the 1948-1955 Franklin Half Dollars, but was changed in 1956 due to concerns that it resembled the bald eagle too closely.
The Type 1 1956 Franklin Half Dollar is considered to be the scarcer of the two types. This is because the Type 2 design was introduced early in the year, meaning that fewer Type 1 coins were produced. Additionally, many collectors preferred the new Type 2 design, which may have led to a lower demand for the Type 1 coin.
Type 2
The Type 2 1956 Franklin Half Dollar can be identified by the larger eagle on the reverse. This eagle is located above the bell and has its wings spread out. The design was changed in order to make the eagle look more like the bald eagle, which is a symbol of the United States.
The Type 2 1956 Franklin Half Dollar is more common than the Type 1. This is because it was produced for a longer period of time and was more popular among collectors. However, some collectors still prefer the Type 1 due to its relative rarity.
Value
Both the Type 1 and Type 2 1956 Franklin Half Dollars can be valuable to collectors. The value of these coins depends on a number of factors, including their condition, rarity, and historical significance.
As mentioned earlier, the Type 1 1956 Franklin Half Dollar is generally considered to be scarcer than the Type 2. This means that it may be worth more to collectors. However, the value of a coin also depends on its condition. A Type 1 1956 Franklin Half Dollar in poor condition may not be worth much, while a Type 2 in excellent condition could be worth thousands of dollars.
Another factor that can affect the value of a coin is its historical significance. The 1956 Franklin Half Dollar was minted during a time of great change in the United States. It was also the last year that the coin would be minted, as it was replaced by the Kennedy Half Dollar in 1964. Collectors who are interested in American history may be willing to pay more for a coin that was minted during this period.
Conclusion
The 1956 Franklin Half Dollar is a popular coin among collectors, and the Type 1 and Type 2 varieties are both valuable in their own way. The Type 1 is scarcer and may be worth more, while the Type 2 is more common and may be more popular among collectors. Ultimately, the value of these coins depends on a number of factors, including their condition, rarity, and historical significance.