1951 Franklin Half Dollar
Base
About This Coin
The 1951 Franklin Half Dollar is a United States half dollar from the Franklin Half Dollars 1948-1963 series — 4th of 16 years in the series. In 1951, coins were struck at the Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Denver Mints with a combined mintage of 40.0 million. This ranks 12th of 16 years by total mintage, above the series median of 27.1 million. The obverse features Benjamin Franklin facing right and the reverse displays the Liberty Bell. Minted during the post-war economic boom, the final era of silver circulating coinage in the United States before the Coinage Act of 1965. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 12.5 grams, 30 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Collectors have cataloged 36 known die varieties for this date across 4 categories, including doubled die obverse, doubled die reverse, repunched mint mark and 1 other types. Produced 4 years before the celebrated 1955 key date. Across its variants, estimated values range from $37 to $689 depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $12K in PR68 grade at Heritage Auctions. Designed by John R. Sinnock/John Frederick Lewis.
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — range across all strike types, reflecting typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
