The Franklin Half Dollar is a favorite among collectors, and for good reason. Minted from 1948 to 1963, this American coin features one of the nation’s most iconic figures—Benjamin Franklin—on the front, with the Liberty Bell proudly displayed on the back. While most Franklin Half Dollars aren’t worth much more than their silver content (around $10 to $15), a few rare versions can fetch thousands—or even tens of thousands—of dollars.
If you’ve ever wondered whether you might have a hidden treasure in your coin collection, keep reading. Here are nine of the rarest and most valuable Franklin Half Dollars, along with what makes them so special.
1. 1950-D Full Bell Lines – A Nearly Perfect Strike
The 1950-D Franklin Half Dollar was minted in Denver, with a mintage of 2.63 million. While that number isn’t particularly low, finding one with Full Bell Lines (FBL) is incredibly rare.
So, what does FBL mean? It refers to the sharp, unbroken lines at the base of the Liberty Bell. Coins with this level of detail were struck with exceptional precision, making them highly desirable to collectors.
In 2021, a 1950-D Franklin Half Dollar with an MS-66 FBL grade sold for a staggering $40,000 at auction. If you happen to find one in pristine condition, it could be worth even more.
2. 1961 Proof Doubled Die Reverse – A Coin with a Rare Mistake
Minting errors can turn an ordinary coin into an expensive collector’s item, and the 1961 Proof Franklin Half Dollar is a perfect example. This coin features a Doubled Die Reverse (DDR) error, where the Liberty Bell and lettering appear slightly doubled.
This mistake isn’t easy to spot, but collectors prize these rare errors. In 2020, an MS-67 DDR coin sold for $35,000 at auction.
3. 1949-D Full Bell Lines – A Rare Early-Year Coin
One of the earliest Franklin Half Dollars, the 1949-D, was minted in Denver with a production run of 4.12 million coins. While that might sound like a lot, finding one in high-grade condition with Full Bell Lines is extremely difficult.
In 2022, an MS-67 FBL example sold for $50,000, proving that even a coin from the early years of the series can command serious money.
4. 1953-S Full Bell Lines – A Strikingly Rare Coin
The 1953-S Franklin Half Dollar, minted in San Francisco, is particularly hard to find in well-preserved condition. The San Francisco Mint was notorious for producing weaker coin strikes, meaning most of these coins lack the crisp Full Bell Lines.
But when you do find one? It’s worth a fortune. In 2019, an MS-67 FBL example sold for a whopping $60,000 at auction.
5. 1948 Franklin Half Dollar – The First of Its Kind
The 1948 Franklin Half Dollar was the very first coin in the series, making it a historic piece. Though 3.01 million coins were minted, most were heavily circulated, making pristine versions incredibly rare.
A top-grade MS-67 FBL example of this first-year coin sold for $45,000 in 2023. Because of its historical significance, it will always be in demand among collectors.
6. 1958 Proof Franklin Half Dollar – A Stunning Proof Coin
In 1958, a limited number of Proof Franklin Half Dollars were produced—just 875,652 coins. Proof coins have an ultra-reflective, mirror-like finish, making them visually striking. However, finding one in Proof-69 grade is nearly impossible due to the coin’s delicate surface.
In 2021, a Proof-69 coin sold for $30,000 at auction. If you own a Proof Franklin Half Dollar, it’s worth checking its condition—it might be more valuable than you think.
7. 1963-D Full Bell Lines – The Last of the Series
The 1963-D Franklin Half Dollar was the final coin in the series before the introduction of the Kennedy Half Dollar in 1964. While over 67 million of these coins were minted in Denver, very few have survived in MS-67 FBL condition.
In 2020, an MS-67 FBL example fetched $25,000 at auction, making it a valuable piece of numismatic history.
8. 1955 “Bugs Bunny” Variety – A Coin with a Funny Mistake
Minting errors sometimes create unexpected—and amusing—features. The 1955 Franklin Half Dollar has a unique mistake where an extra bulge near Franklin’s mouth makes it look like he has buck teeth, earning it the nickname “Bugs Bunny” Variety.
Collectors love quirky errors like this, and in 2022, an MS-66 FBL example of the 1955 “Bugs Bunny” Franklin Half Dollar sold for $20,000.
9. 1949-S Full Bell Lines – A Rare West Coast Coin
The 1949-S Franklin Half Dollar, minted in San Francisco, is another example of a coin that is difficult to find with Full Bell Lines due to the weaker strikes at the mint.
In 2018, an MS-67 FBL example was auctioned for $55,000, making it one of the most valuable Franklin Half Dollars ever sold.
Why Are These Coins So Valuable?
Several factors contribute to the high value of certain Franklin Half Dollars:
- Condition – Coins graded MS-66, MS-67, or Proof-68 are extremely rare and highly sought after.
- Low Mintage – Some coins were produced in small numbers, making them harder to find.
- Mint Errors – Unique mistakes like the “Bugs Bunny” variety or Doubled Die errors add to their rarity.
- Historical Significance – Coins from the beginning (1948) or end (1963) of the series are particularly desirable.
If you happen to have a Franklin Half Dollar tucked away in a collection or an old piggy bank, take a closer look—it could be worth thousands!
FAQs
Why are Franklin Half Dollars valuable?
Their rarity, high-grade condition, Full Bell Lines, and unique mint errors make them highly sought after by collectors.
What does Full Bell Lines (FBL) mean?
FBL refers to the crisp, unbroken lines at the base of the Liberty Bell, indicating a perfectly struck coin.
Which Franklin Half Dollar is the most expensive?
The 1953-S Full Bell Lines in MS-67 condition holds the record, selling for $60,000 at auction.