1956 Proof Franklin Half Dollar - Type 1
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — estimates reflect typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
Auction Record
$6,500 PR69 06-11-2019 eBay
Description
The 1956 Proof Franklin Half Dollar - Type 1 is a proof half dollar struck at the Philadelphia Mint, part of the Franklin Half Dollars 1948-1963 series. With a mintage of 669,384, this is an extremely rare issue — the lowest mintage among 3 mint variants, representing only 12% of total production. 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. As a proof issue, this coin was struck multiple times on specially prepared polished planchets using polished dies, producing mirror-like fields and frosted design elements prized by collectors. Struck at the original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation since 1792. Estimated market value is approximately $79. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 12.5 grams, 30 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #6686.
External References
Error Varieties(18)
1956 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-003
1956 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-006
1956 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-007
1956 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-008
1956 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-009
1956 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-010
1956 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001
1956 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-001
1956 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-002
1956 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-003
1956 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-004
1956 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-005
1956 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-006
1956 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-009
1956 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-010
1956 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-011
1956 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-012
