Numismatic

1954 Franklin Half Dollar MS-65 NGC

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In 1954, the United States Mint in Philadelphia struck this silver half dollar, a piece that stands out for its depiction of a historical figure rather than a symbolic representation of liberty. The obverse features a right-facing profile of Benjamin Franklin, one of the nation's most famous founding fathers. Surrounding his portrait are the traditional inscriptions of LIBERTY and IN GOD WE TRUST, alongside the mid-century date of 1954. The reverse of the coin is rich with symbolic imagery, dominated by the detailed rendering of the Liberty Bell. A small eagle with spread wings stands to the right of the bell, fulfilling the legal requirement for the denomination. The Latin motto E PLURIBUS UNUM and the face value of the coin are also clearly inscribed on this side. Designed by John R. Sinnock, this design does not feature a mint mark, indicating its origin at the Philadelphia mint. Struck in 90 percent silver with a metal content of 0.3575 troy ounces, this particular specimen has been graded in Mint State 65 (MS-65). This high grade highlights the preservation of the coin's original luster and the fine details of both Franklin's portrait and the delicate lines of the Liberty Bell.