U.S. Mint coin reference

1948-1963 Franklin Half Dollar

Franklin Half Dollar Franklin half dollar reference and silver specs.

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Coin specifications and design

Years made: 1948-1963

Country: United States

Denomination: Half dollar

Category: Circulating coin

Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper

Silver fineness: 90%

Silver weight: 0.3617 oz ASW

Weight: 12.50 g

Diameter: 30.6 mm

Thickness: 2.15 mm

Edge: Reeded

Designer: John R. Sinnock

Design identification

Obverse: Benjamin Franklin portrait.

Reverse: Liberty Bell with small eagle.

Franklin Half Dollar history

The Franklin half dollar was introduced in 1948, replacing the Walking Liberty design. John R. Sinnock placed Benjamin Franklin on the obverse and the Liberty Bell on the reverse, making Franklin one of the first non-presidential historical figures to appear on a regular U.S. circulating coin. The series remained 90% silver throughout its run. Production ended after 1963 when Congress authorized the Kennedy half dollar following President John F. Kennedy’s assassination.