Benjamin Franklin was a famous man who wore many hats—he was a writer, inventor, and one of America’s founding fathers. Bugs Bunny, on the other hand, is a mischievous cartoon rabbit known for munching on carrots. So, how do these two come together on a coin worth thousands of dollars?
It all starts with a mistake made by the U.S. Mint, which resulted in a rare coin now known as the “Bugs Bunny” Franklin Half Dollar. If you happen to have one, it could be worth as much as $5,000.
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What Is the Bugs Bunny Franklin Half Dollar?
The “Bugs Bunny” Half Dollar gets its name from a minting error that made Benjamin Franklin look like he had buck teeth, much like the famous cartoon character Bugs Bunny. This error occurred due to a die clash, meaning that the designs on the coin’s front (obverse) and back (reverse) struck each other. Specifically, the wings of the eagle on the back side of the coin made an impression on Franklin’s face, creating the appearance of buck teeth.
The History of the Coin
Designed by John R. Sinnock, the Franklin Half Dollar was first minted in 1948 and was produced until 1963. It features a profile of Benjamin Franklin on the front and the iconic Liberty Bell on the reverse.
Not only is Franklin featured on this coin, but he also appears on the $100 bill, though we’re all more likely to come across this half dollar than a stack of hundreds!
An interesting fact is that all Franklin Half Dollars were made from 90% silver, which makes even damaged versions valuable for their silver content.
How To Identify the ‘Bugs Bunny’ Error
If you’re wondering if you have one of these valuable coins, look closely at Franklin’s face. The “Bugs Bunny” error causes him to have what looks like buck teeth.
This error is most commonly found on Franklin Half Dollars from 1955 and 1956, but it did happen on other dates between 1948 and 1963. The 1955 version is the most valuable due to its low mintage, with only 48,200 coins produced.
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How Much Is It Worth?
While this minting error happened multiple times, making it not as rare as other error coins, the 1955 Franklin Half Dollar is especially valuable. In good condition, it can sell for between $50 and $100, and the 1956 version goes for around $65 to $130.
However, if you have an uncirculated or near-perfect version, it could be worth much more. A well-preserved 1955 Franklin Half Dollar with the Full Bell Line (a grading term that refers to the clarity of the Liberty Bell on the reverse) can fetch as much as $5,000!
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.