The Franklin half dollar series, which ran from 1948 to 1963, remains one of the most interesting coin collections for numismatists and collectors. Its design features the iconic portrait of Benjamin Franklin by Jean-Antoine Houdon, as well as the Liberty Bell on the reverse side, designed with the help of Gilroy Roberts. These coins are highly sought after, especially rare versions with specific design features like “Full Bell Lines” (FBL), which are particularly hard to find. In this article, we will dive deeper into the Franklin half dollar series, its historical context, and the significance of rare coins, including the much-coveted 1953-S Mint State 65 Full Bell Lines coin, which has been known to fetch impressive prices in auctions.
| Year | Key Features | Mintmarks | Notable Coins | Highest Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1948 | Introduced as a new design featuring Franklin’s portrait | – | – | – |
| 1953-S | Prized for its rarity and quality, especially with Full Bell Lines | San Francisco | Rare Full Bell Lines (FBL) coin | MS65 FBL |
| 1963 | Last year of the Franklin half dollar series | – | End of the series | – |
The Franklin Half Dollar Series
The Origins and Design of the Franklin Half Dollar
The Franklin half dollar series was introduced in 1948, replacing the Walking Liberty half dollar. Its design, created by John R. Sinnock, featured Benjamin Franklin, one of the most well-known Founding Fathers of the United States. The obverse (front) of the coin showed a bust of Franklin, which was based on a famous sculpture by Jean-Antoine Houdon. On the reverse, you can see the Liberty Bell, a symbol of American independence and freedom, designed with the help of Gilroy Roberts.
Key Features of the Coin
- Benjamin Franklin’s Portrait: The obverse features a detailed and dignified image of Benjamin Franklin, modeled after a sculpture created by Jean-Antoine Houdon.
- Liberty Bell: The reverse side of the coin prominently displays the Liberty Bell, a historical symbol of American liberty.
- Mintmarks: The coins produced at different U.S. mints (Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco) are identified by their mintmarks. The 1953-S Franklin half dollar, for example, was struck in San Francisco.
The Rarity of Full Strikes and the 1953-S Half Dollar
Full Bell Lines (FBL) Explained
One of the key factors that make certain Franklin half dollars especially valuable is the “Full Bell Lines” (FBL) designation. This refers to the level of detail in the Liberty Bell design, particularly the lines that represent the clapper and the cracks in the bell. Coins with Full Bell Lines show sharper, more defined lines, making them much more desirable to collectors.
The 1953-S Coin and Its Value
The 1953-S Franklin half dollar is one of the most sought-after coins in the series. Unlike other coins that may show less-defined strikes, the 1953-S often has a weak strike on the reverse side. However, there are some rare examples where the strike is sharp and complete, earning the “Full Bell Lines” designation. Only 50 of these coins have been graded with Full Bell Lines by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), and only four of them are graded finer.
A prime example of such a coin recently sold for $33,600 at an auction held by Stack’s Bowers Galleries. This coin, graded Mint State 65 Full Bell Lines, was part of the John Stoebner Collection of Franklin Half Dollars, which is recognized as the third finest collection of “FBL Franklins” ever recorded in the PCGS Set Registry.
Why Full Bell Lines Matter
The importance of Full Bell Lines cannot be overstated in the world of coin collecting. Coins with this feature represent the highest level of craftsmanship and are considered rarer and more valuable due to the difficulty in striking the bell design to such perfection. Collectors and investors seek these high-quality coins because they offer a combination of historical significance and visual appeal.
The Collectibility of the Franklin Half Dollar
The Appeal of Franklin Half Dollars
Franklin half dollars are not just valuable because of their metal content or historical significance—they are also prized for their unique design. Benjamin Franklin’s portrait gives the coin a distinctly American identity, and the Liberty Bell reinforces this connection to American independence. For many collectors, owning a Franklin half dollar is a way to celebrate both the country’s history and the artistry of coinage.
Why Rare Coins Are Sought After
Certain coins, like the 1953-S Franklin half dollar with Full Bell Lines, are especially valuable due to their rarity. A typical Uncirculated 1953-S coin might be in excellent condition, but most of these coins have a weaker strike on the reverse. This is where the Full Bell Lines version stands out—it is both rare and highly desirable because of its sharper strike, making it a prized addition to any coin collection.
What Makes Coins Like the 1953-S So Expensive?
The Role of Minting Quality
Minting quality plays a significant role in the value of a coin. Coins that have been struck with precision and clarity are considered to be of higher quality and thus more valuable. Coins with Full Bell Lines are particularly important in this context because they represent the highest level of minting quality for Franklin half dollars.
The Auction Price of Rare Coins
The prices that rare coins fetch at auctions can be astronomical. For example, the 1953-S Franklin half dollar, graded Mint State 65 Full Bell Lines, sold for $33,600 at a recent auction. This price reflects not only the rarity of the coin but also the demand among collectors who are looking for the finest examples of these historic coins.
Conclusion
The Franklin half dollar series is a treasure trove for collectors, offering a window into American history through its designs and the stories behind each coin. With the addition of rare coins like the 1953-S with Full Bell Lines, the appeal of this series only grows. The combination of historical value, rarity, and the artistry of the designs ensures that these coins remain a cornerstone of American numismatics. As collectors continue to seek out the best examples of these coins, their value in the market will likely continue to rise, making them a smart investment for the future.
For anyone interested in coin collecting or simply admiring the beauty of American history, the Franklin half dollar offers a captivating look at both the past and the present of U.S. currency.
FAQs
1. What is the Franklin half dollar?
The Franklin half dollar is a coin that was produced by the U.S. Mint from 1948 to 1963. The design features a bust of Benjamin Franklin on the front and the Liberty Bell on the reverse.
2. Why is the 1953-S Franklin half dollar special?
The 1953-S Franklin half dollar is known for being difficult to find in perfect condition. Many of these coins have a “mushy” strike on the reverse, which makes those with clear “Full Bell Lines” (FBL) very rare and highly valuable.
3. What are Full Bell Lines (FBL)?
Full Bell Lines refer to the level of detail on the Liberty Bell on the reverse side of the coin. A coin with Full Bell Lines has crisp, clear lines on the bell, making it a rare and sought-after feature.
4. How rare is the 1953-S FBL coin?
Only 50 examples of the 1953-S Franklin half dollar with Full Bell Lines have been graded by PCGS, and even fewer are in higher grades, making them quite rare and valuable to collectors.
5. What is the highest grade for a Franklin half dollar?
The highest grade for a Franklin half dollar in terms of Full Bell Lines is Mint State 65 (MS65), which is the grade of the top lot from the John Stoebner Collection that sold for $33,600.