1953-D Franklin Half Dollar MS-65 PCGS (FBL)

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In 1953, the Denver Mint produced a classic piece of American silver coinage featuring one of the nation's most revered founding figures. This Franklin Half Dollar, struck in 0.900 fine silver, carries a total of 0.3575 troy ounces of precious metal. Designed by John R. Sinnock, the coin presents a distinctive mid-century aesthetic that departs from the more allegorical figures common on earlier United States currency. The obverse displays a clean, right-facing profile of Benjamin Franklin. Surrounding his portrait are the simple, powerful inscriptions of LIBERTY and IN GOD WE TRUST, alongside the 1953 date. The design is celebrated for its minimalist elegance, allowing the portrait of Franklin to command the viewer's attention. On the reverse, the iconic Liberty Bell takes center stage, 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 half dollar coinage. The reverse inscriptions include UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, the denomination of HALF DOLLAR, and the traditional motto E PLURIBUS UNUM. The Denver origin is indicated by the small D mint mark located above the bell yoke. This particular specimen is graded Mint State 65 (MS-65) and has earned the prestigious Full Bell Lines (FBL) designation. This designation is reserved for coins that showcase exceptionally sharp details on the horizontal lines wrapping around the lower portion of the Liberty Bell, indicating a remarkably strong and complete strike from the Denver dies.