Franklin Half Dollar 50c 1948-1963 MS FBL [Type]

Designer: John R. Sinnock. Weight: 12.5 grams. Composition: .900 silver, .100 copper (net weight .36169 oz. pure silver). Diameter: 30.6 mm. Edge: Reeded. Mints: Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco.

Key to Collecting: Franklin half dollars made their debut in 1948 without fanfare. Although notice was routinely given of them in the two leading numismatic journals of the day, reaction by collectors was generally unenthusiastic. Perhaps the artistic beauty could not be compared to the now discontinued Liberty Walking motif.

Although many investors set aside bank-wrapped rolls, and many collectors formed sets by date and mint, there was hardly any notice paid to quality within the Mint State range. When such things became important, it was found that the majority of pieces were nicked and marked and that true gems were scarce. Further, the concept of Full Bell Lines was introduced to the collecting fraternity, giving another aspect to the search.

For type-set purposes, enough Franklin half dollars exist that finding one is easy. Circulated pieces are quite common but not relevant for type-set purposes as Mint State and Proof coins are plentiful and inexpensive. However, most Mint State coins are bagmarked, as this design was susceptible to highlighting even the smallest contact, particularly on the center of the obverse and reverse.

Aspects of Striking and Appearance: This design was not sharply defined in the dies. On the reverse, the horizontal lines at the bottom of the bell are sometimes “full” and sometimes not, the latter resulting when the dies were spaced farther apart. Those with sharp features are popularly designated as having Full Bell Lines (FBL). Some dates and mintmarks are common enough with light striking, but with FBL are very rare (in the context of the series). Nicks and bagmarks are a huge problem with Franklin half dollars, as the relatively plain obverse and the high area of the bell on the reverse were exposed and easily acquired contact marks. Pristine mark-free gems are quite elusive.

Proof Coins: Plentiful, as they were made over a fairly long span of years. Most are well struck. Some have cameo frosted devices and are especially sought for this feature.