Numismatic

1959-D Franklin Half Dollar BU

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The 1959 Franklin half dollar represents a classic era of United States coinage, struck in 90 percent silver at the Denver Mint. This particular issue, preserved in brilliant uncirculated condition, contains 0.3575 troy ounces of precious metal. The coin stands as a mid-century tribute to one of America's most famous founding figures, rendered in clean, mid-century relief. On the obverse, a right-facing profile of Benjamin Franklin takes center stage. This portrait, created by designer John R. Sinnock, is accompanied by the inscriptions "LIBERTY" and "IN GOD WE TRUST", alongside the 1959 date. The design broke from the tradition of featuring allegorical figures of Liberty, opting instead to honor a real historical citizen. The reverse of the coin features the historic Liberty Bell, complete with its famous crack. To the right of the bell, a small eagle is depicted, satisfying the legal requirement to include the national bird on the half dollar denomination. The reverse also bears the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA", "E PLURIBUS UNUM", and "HALF DOLLAR". Just above the bell's yoke, the "D" mint mark indicates its origin at the Denver facility.