1953 Franklin Half Dollar
Base
About This Coin
The 1953 Franklin Half Dollar is a United States half dollar from the Franklin Half Dollars 1948-1963 series — 6th of 16 years in the series. In 1953, coins were struck at the Denver, Philadelphia, and San Francisco Mints with a combined mintage of 27.8 million. This ranks 9th 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. The 1953-S is the condition rarity of the series — extremely scarce in Full Bell Lines designation. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 12.5 grams, 30 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Collectors have cataloged 7 known die varieties for this date across 6 categories, including cud, doubled die obverse, doubled die reverse and 3 other types. Struck two years before the 1955 key date, the lowest-mintage regular issue in the series. Across its variants, estimated values range from $37 to $261 depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $17K in MS67 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.
