Numismatic

1953-D Franklin Half Dollar MS-64 PCGS (FBL)

---

During the mid-century era, the United States Mint departed from traditional allegorical figures on its coinage to honor one of the nation's most famous founding citizens. This 1953 half dollar, struck at the Denver Mint, features a right-facing portrait of Benjamin Franklin on the obverse. Surrounding his likeness are the classic inscriptions of freedom and faith, including the word LIBERTY and the national motto IN GOD WE TRUST, alongside the mid-century date. The reverse of the coin displays a detailed rendering of the historic Liberty Bell, complete with its famous crack. To the right of the bell, a small eagle with its wings spread wide stands in profile. The reverse is also inscribed with the face value, HALF DOLLAR, the issuing nation, and the traditional Latin phrase E PLURIBUS UNUM. A small letter D placed above the bell indicates its origin at the Denver facility. This particular silver coin is composed of 0.3575 troy ounces of silver with a purity of 0.900. It has been certified in Mint State 64 (MS-64) condition, and it carries the coveted Full Bell Lines designation. This special classification means the horizontal lines wrapping around the lower portion of the Liberty Bell design are fully defined and unbroken, a rare characteristic for struck coins of this era.