1956 Franklin Half Dollar
Base
About This Coin
The 1956 Franklin Half Dollar is a United States half dollar from the Franklin Half Dollars 1948-1963 series — 9th of 16 years in the series. In 1956, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a combined mintage of 5.4 million. This represents the second-lowest annual mintage in the series, below 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 29 known die varieties for this date across 4 categories, including cud, doubled die obverse, doubled die reverse and 1 other types. Struck one year after the 1955 key date, the lowest-mintage regular issue in the series. Across its variants, estimated values range from $37 to $92 depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $6.5K in PR69 grade at eBay. 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.
