1953-S Franklin Half Dollar MS-65 NGC

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In 1953, the San Francisco mint struck a mid-century silver masterpiece that remains a favorite for those exploring twentieth-century American coinage. This half dollar contains 0.3575 troy ounces of silver, with a purity of 90 percent. Graded Mint State 65 (MS-65), this particular piece showcases the design details as they were originally intended to be seen, preserved with exceptional care. The obverse of the coin presents a right-facing portrait of Benjamin Franklin, designed by John R. Sinnock. Surrounding the founding father's likeness are the inscriptions LIBERTY and IN GOD WE TRUST, along with the 1953 date. This design marked a departure from traditional allegorical figures on United States coinage, opting instead to honor a real historical individual. 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, a detail added to fulfill traditional coinage requirements. The reverse also displays the denomination of fifty cents, the classic motto E Pluribus Unum, and the S mint mark, indicating its origin from the San Francisco facility.