The 1951 Franklin Half Dollar is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. This means it contains 0.36169 troy ounces of silver. Each coin weighs 12.50 grams, has a diameter of 30.61 mm, and is 1.8 mm thick. It features a reeded edge and has a face value of 50 cents.
Introduced in 1948, the Franklin Half Dollar continued until 1963, making it one of the most recognized coins in the United States. The coin showcases the image of Benjamin Franklin on the front. As a Founding Father, Franklin was chosen to honor his contributions. However, given his modesty, he might not have been thrilled about being featured on a coin.
Nellie Tayloe Ross, the Mint director at that time, believed that Franklin’s inclusion was significant, as he represented ideals of the republic. The obverse side features inscriptions like:
- LIBERTY
- IN GOD WE TRUST
- 1951
On the reverse, you’ll find the Liberty Bell along with a small eagle, which was added to comply with laws requiring all US silver coins to depict an eagle. Inscriptions here include:
- UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
- HALF DOLLAR
- E PLURIBUS UNUM
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Varieties of the 1951 Franklin Half Dollar
The 1951 Franklin Half Dollar has several varieties, including:
- 1951-D
- 1951-P
- 1951-S
- 1951 Proof
1951 D Franklin Half Dollar
- Mint Mark: D (Denver)
- Quantity Produced: 9,475,200
- Value: $3 to $35 or more
- Notes: The Denver mint is known for producing high-quality coins.
1951 P Franklin Half Dollar
- Mint Mark: None (Philadelphia)
- Quantity Produced: 16,802,102
- Value: $0.50 to $28 or more
- Notes: This variety had the highest mintage post-WWII, but quality control was poor, resulting in many circulated coins.
1951 S Franklin Half Dollar
- Mint Mark: S (San Francisco)
- Quantity Produced: 13,696,000
- Value: $0.50 to $48 or more
- Notes: The highest mintage from San Francisco, but coins graded above MS64 are quite rare.
1951 P Franklin Half Dollar (Proof)
- Mint Mark: None (Philadelphia)
- Quantity Produced: 57,500
- Value: $0.50 to $235 or more
- Notes: This is the lowest mintage proof from 1948 to 1963, making it highly sought after.
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Common Errors with the 1951 Franklin Half Dollar
Like many coins, the 1951 Franklin Half Dollar has its share of errors. Common mistakes include:
- Poor Strike Quality: Caused by worn-out dies leading to smudged designs.
- Clashed Dies: When the obverse and reverse dies strike each other without a planchet in between, resulting in distorted images.
- “Bugs Bunny” Error: This nickname refers to a die clash that created a design resembling rabbit fangs.
How Much Is the 1951 Franklin Half Dollar Worth Today?
While the face value of the 1951 Franklin Half Dollar is 50 cents, its silver content gives it a melt value of approximately $8.74. However, many coins can sell for much more, depending on their condition. Here’s a quick value overview:
| Coin Type | Condition | Mintage | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1951 D | Circulated | 9,475,200 | $9.75 to $23 |
| 1951 P | Uncirculated (MS-67) | 16,802,102 | $780 to $1,610 |
| 1951 S | Uncirculated (MS-67) | 13,696,000 | $720 to $2,585 |
| 1951 Proof | Uncirculated (PR-67) | 57,500 | $1,234 to $2,520 |
Recent auction records show that some rare coins can fetch impressive prices, such as $82,250 for a 1951 Proof coin graded PR67.
Understanding the Grading System
Coins are graded using the Sheldon Scale, which ranges from Poor (P-1) to Mint State Perfect (MS-70). Here’s a brief breakdown:
- MS-60: Mint State Basal with visible flaws.
- MS-65: Mint State Choice, excellent condition.
- MS-70: Mint State Perfect, no visible imperfections.
Where to Buy or Sell 1951 Franklin Half Dollar?
You can buy or sell the 1951 Franklin Half Dollar online on platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy. There are also specialized coin websites such as JM Bullion and USA Coin Book. For in-person transactions, visit local coin shops, pawnshops, or antique stores.
Ethan is a passionate rare coin collector with years of experience uncovering the stories and history behind unique coins. His insightful articles are a go-to for anyone curious about coin values or their fascinating backstories.