Every Franklin Half Dollar is a valuable piece of American history, containing over $11 worth of silver! Minted from 1948 to 1963, this series is a favorite among collectors for its classic design and high silver content. While many are valued primarily for their silver, certain key dates and high-grade examples—especially those with a "Full Bell Lines" designation—can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
This guide provides a complete overview of Franklin Half Dollar values for 2025. To get an instant, accurate value for your specific coin, use the Coinly app to analyze its date, condition, and special characteristics.
Understanding the Franklin Half Dollar
- Years of Issue: 1948-1963
- Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
- Silver Content: 0.3617 troy ounces of pure silver.
- Designer: John R. Sinnock
- Current Silver Melt Value (Feb 2025): Approximately $11.30. This is the minimum value of any Franklin Half Dollar.
The Key to High Value: Full Bell Lines (FBL)
The single most important factor for high-value Franklin Half Dollars (beyond key dates) is the Full Bell Lines (FBL) designation. This refers to the completeness of the horizontal lines on the Liberty Bell on the reverse.
- What are FBL?: On a perfectly struck coin, the lower sets of incised lines on the Liberty Bell are complete and unbroken.
- Why it Matters: Most Franklin Half Dollars were weakly struck, especially at the center of the bell. A coin with sharp, complete lines is much rarer and proves it was from a fresh set of dies.
- Value Impact: An FBL designation can increase a coin's value by 2x to 30x or more compared to a non-FBL coin of the same grade.
How to Spot FBL: You will need a 5x or 10x magnifying glass. Look at the bottom of the Liberty Bell. If all the horizontal lines are distinct and run fully from one side to the other, you may have an FBL coin. The Coinly app's high-resolution analysis can help you see these details clearly.
Does Your Franklin Have Full Bell Lines?
The difference between a $15 coin and a $500 coin could be in the tiny lines on the bell. Scan your Franklin Half Dollar with Coinly to get a close-up look and an accurate grade and value estimate in seconds!
Analyze Your Half Dollars with CoinlyFranklin Half Dollar Values: Key Dates and Common Dates
The Franklin Half Dollar series is known for having no extreme rarities, making it a very completable set for collectors. However, some dates are scarcer than others.
Key and Semi-Key Dates
| Date | Mintage | AU-50 Value | MS-65 Value | MS-65 FBL Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1949-S | 3,744,000 | $30+ | $150+ | $1,000+ | Key Date |
| 1948 | 3,006,814 | $25+ | $100+ | $800+ | First year, lower mintage |
| 1953 | 2,796,820 | $20+ | $80+ | $600+ | Low mintage P-mint |
| 1955 | 2,498,181 | $25+ | $100+ | $450+ | Lowest mintage |
| 1949-D | 4,120,500 | $20+ | $90+ | $400+ | Semi-key date |
| 1952-S | 5,526,000 | $18+ | $85+ | $350+ | Semi-key date |
Common Date Franklin Half Dollars
Most Franklin Half Dollars you encounter will be common dates, especially from the late 1950s and early 1960s.
- Circulated Value (Good to Fine): These are typically traded based on their silver melt value, currently $11.30 - $14.00.
- Uncirculated Value (MS-60 to MS-63): Common dates in uncirculated condition are worth $20 - $35.
- Uncirculated with FBL (MS-63 FBL): Even a common date with Full Bell Lines can be worth $40 - $75 or more.
Collecting Strategies
For the Silver Stacker
If your goal is to accumulate silver, circulated Franklin Half Dollars are an excellent choice. They are easily recognizable, contain a significant amount of silver, and can often be purchased for a very low premium over their melt value.
For the Collector
- Build a Complete Set: A full set of Franklin Half Dollars (35 coins) is an achievable goal. A circulated set can be assembled for around $500-$700. An uncirculated set will cost significantly more.
- Hunt for FBL: The real challenge and fun is in "cherry-picking" FBL coins. Look through rolls or dealer inventories for weakly struck coins that might have been overlooked. Finding a common date with FBL is a huge win.
Conclusion: An Underrated Series with Hidden Value
The Franklin Half Dollar is a workhorse of American silver coinage. It offers a safe investment due to its high silver content and an exciting challenge for collectors who hunt for high-grade examples with the elusive Full Bell Lines designation. It's the perfect series for both beginners and seasoned numismatists.
Before you buy or sell, be sure to use the Coinly app to get a clear picture of your coin's grade and potential. You might be holding a hidden gem worth far more than its silver!
Values are estimates based on market conditions in February 2025 and can fluctuate. For high-value coins, especially those with an FBL designation, professional grading by PCGS or NGC is highly recommended.
