The Complete Benjamin Franklin Us Half Dollar Collection
Introduction
The Benjamin Franklin half dollar is one of the most iconic coins in American history. It was minted from 1948 to 1963 and features the face of one of America's most beloved founding fathers. Collectors today prize the Benjamin Franklin half dollar for its historical significance, its beautiful design, and its rarity.
The Early Years
The Benjamin Franklin half dollar was first minted in 1948 as part of a commemorative coin series. The series was created to honor the 200th anniversary of Franklin's birth, which took place in 1706. The coins were designed by John R. Sinnock, who was the chief engraver at the US Mint at the time.
The original design featured Franklin's portrait on the obverse side of the coin, with the Liberty Bell on the reverse. The words "Liberty" and "In God We Trust" were also engraved on the coin.
The Complete Collection
The complete Benjamin Franklin half dollar collection includes 35 coins in total. This includes the original commemorative coin from 1948, as well as all of the coins minted for circulation from 1949 to 1963.
Collectors prize the complete collection for its historical significance and its rarity. Many of the coins in the collection are difficult to find in good condition, which makes them even more valuable to collectors.
Key Dates
Some of the key dates in the Benjamin Franklin half dollar collection include:
- 1948 – The original commemorative coin
- 1949-S – The first year the coin was minted for circulation
- 1950-D – A low mintage year with only 2.2 million coins produced
- 1952-S – A low mintage year with only 1.4 million coins produced
- 1953-S – Another low mintage year with only 2.6 million coins produced
- 1955 – A year with two different varieties of the coin (one with a bell line and one without)
- 1957-D – A low mintage year with only 1.3 million coins produced
- 1963 – The last year the coin was minted
Value
The value of a Benjamin Franklin half dollar can vary greatly depending on its condition and rarity. Some of the rarest coins in the collection can be worth tens of thousands of dollars.
For example, a 1955 Benjamin Franklin half dollar without a bell line can be worth upwards of $50,000 in near-perfect condition. Similarly, a 1953-S Benjamin Franklin half dollar in good condition can be worth $10,000 or more.
Collectors looking to invest in the Benjamin Franklin half dollar collection should do their research and seek out coins in good condition. Coins with high grades from third-party grading services like PCGS or NGC are more likely to retain their value over time.
Conclusion
The Benjamin Franklin half dollar collection is a must-have for any serious coin collector. Its historical significance, beautiful design, and rarity make it one of the most sought-after coin collections in the world. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting out, the Benjamin Franklin half dollar collection is a great investment that will only grow in value over time.