Numismatic

1953-D Franklin Half Dollar BU

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In 1953, the Denver Mint produced a classic silver half dollar that stands as a tribute to one of America's most influential founding figures. Struck in 90 percent silver with a precious metal weight of 0.3575 troy ounces, this coin is a brilliant example of mid-twentieth-century American coinage design. The Denver origin is marked by the letter D on the reverse side. The obverse of this fifty-cent piece presents a clean, right-facing profile of Benjamin Franklin. Surrounding this portrait are the traditional inscriptions of LIBERTY and IN GOD WE TRUST, alongside the 1953 date. The design was created by John R. Sinnock, who captured Franklin's likeness with a dignified simplicity. On the reverse, the central focus is the historic Liberty Bell, complete with its famous crack. To the right of the bell, a small eagle with spread wings is visible, satisfying the legal requirement for an eagle to appear on the half dollar. The reverse also bears the United States of America name, the denomination of one half dollar, and the Latin motto E PLURIBUS UNUM.