Numismatic

1953-S Franklin Half Dollar AU

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Struck in 90% silver at the San Francisco Mint, this 1953 half dollar represents a classic era of mid-century American coinage. The coin contains 0.3575 troy ounces of precious metal and displays a distinct, historic aesthetic that departs from the traditional allegorical figures of liberty previously featured on United States circulating currency. The obverse presents a right-facing profile of Benjamin Franklin, one of the nation's most famous founding figures. This portrait, created by designer John R. Sinnock, is accompanied by the inscriptions "LIBERTY" and "IN GOD WE TRUST", alongside the 1953 date. On the reverse, the central focus is the Liberty Bell, complete with its famous crack. To the right of the bell, a small eagle with spread wings is visible, fulfilling the legal requirement for the denomination. The reverse inscriptions include the traditional motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM" and the face value, "HALF DOLLAR". This particular specimen survives in Almost Uncirculated condition, preserving the fine details of both the portrait and the bell.