Numismatic

1953-D Franklin Half Dollar AU

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The 1953 Franklin Half Dollar represents a classic era in United States coinage. Struck at the Denver Mint, this fifty-cent piece is composed of 90 percent silver, containing 0.3575 troy ounces of the precious metal. It stands as a notable example of mid-twentieth-century American numismatic design, preserved in Almost Uncirculated condition. On the obverse, a right-facing profile of Benjamin Franklin takes center stage. This portrait, designed by John R. Sinnock, is accompanied by the classic inscriptions of LIBERTY and IN GOD WE TRUST, along with the 1953 year of issue. The design broke from the tradition of featuring allegorical figures of Liberty, opting instead to honor a historical American statesman. The reverse of the coin features a detailed depiction of the Liberty Bell, complete with its famous crack. To the right of the bell, a small eagle with spread wings is visible, a design element included to fulfill legal requirements for the denomination. The reverse also bears the inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, the face value of HALF DOLLAR, and the traditional motto E PLURIBUS UNUM.