Numismatic

1956 Franklin Half Dollar BU

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In 1956, the United States Mint in Philadelphia produced a half dollar that departed from the traditional allegorical figures of liberty, opting instead to honor a real historical individual. The obverse of this silver coin displays a right-facing profile of Benjamin Franklin, one of the nation's most famous founding figures. Surrounding his portrait are the classic inscriptions of freedom and faith, including the word 'LIBERTY' and the phrase 'IN GOD WE TRUST', alongside the mid-century date of 1956. On the reverse, the coin features the Liberty Bell, complete with its famous crack. To the right of the bell, a small eagle with open wings is visible, satisfying the legal requirement for the denomination. The reverse inscriptions declare the country of origin, the face value of 'HALF DOLLAR', and the traditional Latin motto 'E Pluribus Unum'. Struck in 90% silver, this coin contains 0.3575 troy ounces of precious metal. As a product of the Philadelphia Mint from this era, it does not carry a mint mark. This particular specimen survives in Brilliant Uncirculated condition, preserving the original details of John R. Sinnock's mid-century design just as it looked when it first left the coining press.