Numismatic

1955 Franklin Half Dollar Fine/XF

---

In 1955, the Philadelphia mint produced a silver half dollar that stands as a classic example of mid-century American coinage. This fifty-cent piece is composed of 90 percent silver, containing 0.3575 troy ounces of the precious metal. Designed by John R. Sinnock, the coin departed from traditional allegorical figures of Liberty, opting instead to honor one of the nation's most famous founding fathers. The obverse presents a right-facing portrait of Benjamin Franklin in profile. Surrounding his likeness are the essential inscriptions of American coinage, including the word LIBERTY arching above and the national motto, IN GOD WE TRUST, positioned below. The year 1955 is clearly marked to the right of his bust. On the reverse, the central focus is the iconic Liberty Bell, complete with its famous crack. To the left of the bell, the Latin phrase E PLURIBUS UNUM is inscribed, while a small eagle with open wings balances the design on the right. The country of origin, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, is written along the top curve, with the denomination, HALF DOLLAR, anchored at the bottom.