Numismatic

1950 Franklin Half Dollar AU

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The mid-century era of United States coinage brought a significant departure from traditional allegorical figures, choosing instead to honor real historical individuals. The 1950 Franklin half dollar stands as a prime example of this shift, celebrating one of the nation's most versatile founding fathers. Struck in 90 percent silver, this coin contains 0.3575 troy ounces of precious metal and displays the distinctive characteristics of the Philadelphia Mint, which left no mint mark on the strike. On the obverse, a right-facing profile of Benjamin Franklin occupies the center. This portrait, created by designer John R. Sinnock, is accompanied by the inscriptions of LIBERTY and the national motto IN GOD WE TRUST, alongside the 1950 date. The design captures Franklin's likeness with a clean, dignified simplicity that was highly modern for its time. Turning the coin over reveals a rich combination of American symbols. The central image is the Liberty Bell, complete with its famous crack. To the right of the bell, a small eagle with spread wings is visible, a detail added to fulfill traditional design requirements. The reverse also features the Latin phrase E PLURIBUS UNUM and the denomination, spelled out as HALF DOLLAR, surrounded by the name of the issuing nation.