1963 Franklin Half Dollar Sterling Silver Coin Pill Box or Box Insert
Decorative Object / Personal Accessory (Pill Box or Coin Box) · Unknown silversmith/specialty manufacturer; utilizes a U.S. Mint 90% silver coin as the primary decorative lid. Common brands for these conversions include silversmiths like Cartier or Tiffany in high-end cases, though many were produced by smaller boutique smiths.
Pattern: Franklin Half Dollar Motif; 1948-1963 design series.
Type
Decorative Object / Personal Accessory (Pill Box or Coin Box)
Maker
Unknown silversmith/specialty manufacturer; utilizes a U.S. Mint 90% silver coin as the primary decorative lid. Common brands for these conversions include silversmiths like Cartier or Tiffany in high-end cases, though many were produced by smaller boutique smiths.
Material
Coin Silver Lid (90% silver, 10% copper) mounted on what appears to be a Sterling Silver (.925) or silver-plated base. Weight is approximately 12.5 grams for the coin alone, plus the weight of the box housing.
Dimensions
Diameter: 30.6mm (Standard half dollar size). Total weight approx 20-30g including the box structure.
Description
An iconic example of American numismatic silver repurposed for personal use. This piece features a 1963 Franklin Half Dollar—the final year of the series before the introduction of the Kennedy Half Dollar. The silver coin is set into a circular box, transforming a piece of currency into a functional heirloom. The heavy tarnish on the surface highlights the depth of Franklin's profile and the serif lettering of the 1960s typeface.
Key Features
Last-year issue 1963 Franklin Half Dollar; high silver content lid; dual-utility as a collectible coin and a functional accessory.
Material & Composition
Coin Silver Lid (90% silver, 10% copper) mounted on what appears to be a Sterling Silver (.925) or silver-plated base. Weight is approximately 12.5 grams for the coin alone, plus the weight of the box housing.
Finish & Decoration
Obverse shows the bust of Benjamin Franklin designed by John R. Sinnock. Decoration is numismatic 'Circulated' finish with heavy natural oxidation (tarnish). The border is a simple silver bezel wrap.
Hallmarks & Stamps
United States Mint stamps: 'LIBERTY', 'IN GOD WE TRUST', and date '1963'. Check the base or interior for a 'STERLING' or '.925' purity mark, though coin boxes often lack additional hallmarks if custom-made.
Construction Details
Bezel-set construction. A genuine 1963 half dollar has been integrated into a hand-soldered or machine-formed box frame. The coin serves as the hinged or pressure-fit lid.
Functional Features
Pressure-fit or hinged lid closure; waterproof or moisture-resistant storage for small items like medication or snuff.
Handle & Grip Details
None; the raised rim of the coin/bezel provides traction for opening the lid.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard jeweler-grade bezel setting. The solder joints at the base and the fitting of the lid suggest a production-level workshop rather than a master art-piece.
Authentication Indicators
The coin design, typography, and wear pattern are consistent with genuine Philadelphia/Denver minting. The tarnish is consistent with 90% silver alloy reaching age. Weight should be checked to ensure the coin isn't a base-metal replica.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States (Coin minted in Philadelphia or Denver); Box manufactured by American boutique silversmiths.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern / Cold War Era (1960s). This type of 'coin silver' accessory was popular in the 1950s and 60s as masculine gifts (groom's gifts or executive desk items).
Age Estimate
Circa 1963 - The coin date establishes a 'terminus post quem' (earliest possible date).
Cultural Significance
Represents the 1960s trend of 'Silver Stack' gifts where silver coinage was seen as a hedge against inflation and a symbol of reliable American craftsmanship.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Significant surface oxidation/sulfide deposits (heavy brown/black tarnish). Light edge wear on the coin. No visible structural dents to the bezel.
Value Estimate
$40.00 - $85.00 depending on the purity of the box base (Sterling vs. Plate). The melt value of the coin provides a floor price of approx. $10-12.
Care & Maintenance
Do not use abrasive cleaners which may strip the coin's numismatic value. Use a soft silver cloth (Hagerty or Cape Cod) or a mild dip for the casing only. Store in a cool, dry place away from rubber bands/latex which cause rapid tarnishing.
Similar Pieces
Kennedy Half Dollar Pill Boxes (post-1964); Morgan Dollar Belt Buckles; Mercury Dime Cufflinks.
Interesting Facts
The Franklin Half Dollar was replaced mid-series in 1964 following the assassination of John F. Kennedy. 1963 pieces like this represent the end of the US's standard-circulating 90% silver half dollars.