1953 Franklin Half Dollar MS-65 PCGS (FBL)

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In 1953, the Philadelphia Mint produced a run of 2,668,120 half dollars featuring the likeness of Benjamin Franklin. Striking these coins did not always yield perfect details, which makes highly preserved examples particularly fascinating to study. This specific silver coin, composed of 90 percent silver with a precious metal content of 0.3575 troy ounces, stands out for its exceptional preservation. Earning a Mint State 65 grade, this specimen is designated with Full Bell Lines (FBL). This designation is highly prized by enthusiasts because it indicates that the horizontal lines on the Liberty Bell on the reverse are fully defined and unbroken. Achieving such a sharp strike was uncommon for the Philadelphia Mint during this era, making this coin an excellent window into the technical capabilities and challenges of mid-century American coining. The obverse features the profile of Benjamin Franklin with the motto IN GOD WE TRUST and the date 1953. The reverse displays the iconic Liberty Bell alongside a small eagle, accompanied by the traditional inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, and HALF DOLLAR. Because it was minted in Philadelphia, the coin carries no mint mark, leaving the space above the bell clean and highlighting the design's classic simplicity.