Numismatic

1949 Franklin Half Dollar Fine/XF

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In 1949, the United States Mint in Philadelphia struck this mid-century half dollar, departing from traditional allegorical figures to honor a historical individual. The obverse presents a right-facing profile of Benjamin Franklin. Surrounding this portrait are the inscriptions LIBERTY placed above the bust, and the national motto, IN GOD WE TRUST, positioned along the bottom curve. The year 1949 is clearly visible to the right of Franklin's likeness. The reverse of the coin features a detailed depiction of the historic Liberty Bell as its central motif. To the left of the bell, the traditional Latin phrase E PLURIBUS UNUM is inscribed, while a small eagle with open wings balances the design on the right. The denomination HALF DOLLAR is prominently displayed beneath the bell. Each of these coins is composed of 90 percent silver, containing 0.3575 troy ounces of precious metal, and represents a classic era of American coinage design.