1952 Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar Silver Coin
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint (Philadelphia Workshop)
Pattern: Franklin Half Dollar, designed by John R. Sinnock, introduced 1948, discontinued 1963
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint (Philadelphia Workshop)
Material
90% Silver, 10% Copper (Coin Silver Standard), contains approximately 0.36169 troy oz of pure silver
Dimensions
Diameter: 30.6 mm; Weight: 12.50 grams (0.4019 troy oz gross weight)
Description
An iconic American silver half dollar featuring Benjamin Franklin. It was the first regular-issue U.S. coin to depict a real person who was not a President. The design replaced the Walking Liberty half dollar and preceded the Kennedy half dollar.
Key Features
Franklin's shoulder-length hair detail, Sinnock's 'JRS' initials (small), and the 'cracked' Liberty Bell on reverse
Material & Composition
90% Silver, 10% Copper (Coin Silver Standard), contains approximately 0.36169 troy oz of pure silver
Finish & Decoration
Business strike with relief engraving; features the bust of Benjamin Franklin on the obverse and the Liberty Bell on the reverse
Hallmarks & Stamps
Labeled 'LIBERTY', 'IN GOD WE TRUST', and date '1952'. Absence of a mint mark indicates Philadelphia manufacture.
Construction Details
Die-struck at a government mint using industrial coin presses; features a reeded edge for anti-counterfeiting
Functional Features
Reeded edge for tactile identification and to prevent metal clipping; legal tender denomination of 50 cents
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable; circular planchet with raised rim (milling) for stacking and protection of the design
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial die striking; the reverse Liberty Bell shows fine detail including the crack in the bell in higher grades.
Authentication Indicators
Correct font style for 1952 date, appropriate wear patterns for 90% silver alloy, and distinct die-struck resolution
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America, Philadelphia Mint
Era & Period
Post-WWII / Mid-Century Modern American Numismatics (1945-1963)
Age Estimate
Dated 1952 (72 years old exactly)
Cultural Significance
Represents Mid-Century American thrift and industry; Franklin was chosen for his association with the virtues of saving and the founding of the nation.
Condition Notes
Circulated condition; visible surface wear on high points (cheek and hair), minor bag marks, and light peripheral tarnish. Grade estimate: Very Fine (VF) to Extra Fine (EF).
Value Estimate
$10.00 - $15.00 USD based on current silver spot price and numismatic premium for circulated condition.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish. Store in a PVC-free archival flip or tube. Handle only by the edges to prevent skin oil transfer.
Similar Pieces
1948-1963 Franklin Half Dollars from Denver (D) or San Francisco (S); Walking Liberty Half Dollars (pre-1948); Kennedy Half Dollars (1964 only 90% silver).
Interesting Facts
The design was criticized at release for the small size of the eagle next to the Liberty Bell; it was replaced in 1964 following the assassination of JFK.