Coin Specifications

The Franklin Half Dollar replaced the popular Walking Liberty Half Dollar series which had run from 1916 to 1948. The new series was a dramatic change in design, depicting a famous American instead of the allegorical Liberty figure. It also featured a very different style with broad flat surfaces as opposed to the detailed nature of the prior design.

The obverse of the Franklin Half features a right facing bust of Benjamin Franklin, modeled after a bust prepared by an 18th century sculptor. The reverse features the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia and a small eagle added due to the legislative requirement that an eagle appear on the reverse of the denomination. Coins were minted at the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mints, but only five years saw production at all three mints. Proof coins were minted at the Philadelphia Mint from 1950 to the end of the series.

Franklin Half Dollar Coin Specifications

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