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Franklin halves: the Liberty Bell half, 1948–1963
Franklin half dollars (1948–1963) are 90% silver. Common dates are junk-plus. Full Bell Lines is a grade talk. The 1955 “Bugs Bunny” is a variety, not a cartoon coin. 1963 is the last year; Kennedys start in 1964.
A Franklin half is the 50-cent piece with Benjamin Franklin and the Liberty Bell, struck 1948 through 1963. John R. Sinnock designed it. 90% silver, about 0.3617 oz — same silver as a Walker or a 1964 Kennedy.
Common 1950s–60s Franklins are junk-plus. They are not rare because they have a famous man on them.
Full Bell Lines and the Bugs Bunny
Full Bell Lines (FBL) means the horizontal lines on the Liberty Bell are complete. Grade talk. A worn 1953 is still junk silver.
The 1955 “Bugs Bunny” is a die clash that looks a little like teeth on Franklin. It is a collected variety. Most 1955s are just 1955s.
Mint mark is on the reverse, above the yoke of the bell. No letter is Philadelphia.
Common vs the ones we pull
1949-S is better than a 1963. 1955 is a lower-mintage date (people saved them). Proof Franklins exist 1950–1963. None of those is a 1916 Standing Liberty. We weigh the pile, then pick dates.
Extra history
Sinnock’s initials JRS on the truncation started a rumor they stood for Joseph Stalin. They do not. Initials and “secrets”. 1963 is the last Franklin. 1964 is Kennedy, still 90%.
What a shop pays
A roll of common Franklins: 90% bid. Cleaned or holed: melt. Don’t clean. Same bag as Walkers and 1964 Kennedys is one silver stack unless we are picking FBL or 1949-S.
People also ask
Did they make Franklins in 1964? No. Kennedy.
Is a Franklin a commemorative? No. Regular circulating half. Classic commems are a different program.
Are they 40%? No. All business Franklins are 90%.
Part of the coin and money library · visitors & collectors
A mixed roll of Franklins and 1964 Kennedys is one 90% pile unless we are picking 1949-S or a proof. Kennedy metal sheet.
Proof Franklins (1950–1963) often come in the same envelope as a proof set. Leave them in the envelope. A dipped Franklin with no bell lines is still a Franklin — just a worse one.
The small eagle to the right of the bell is part of the design, not a mint mark. The mint mark sits above the bell yoke.