1959 Franklin Half Dollar

About This Coin

The 1959 Franklin Half Dollar is a United States half dollar from the Franklin Half Dollars 1948-1963 series — 12th of 16 years in the series. In 1959, coins were struck at the Philadelphia and Denver Mints with a combined mintage of 20.4 million. This ranks 6th of 16 years by total mintage, 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 6 known die varieties for this date across 3 categories, including die chip, doubled die obverse, doubled die reverse. Produced 4 years after the celebrated 1955 key date. Across its variants, estimated values range from $37 to $114 depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $7.6K in AU58 grade at Heritage Auctions. Designed by John R. Sinnock/John Frederick Lewis.