Numismatic

1959-D Franklin Half Dollar MS-64 NGC (FBL)

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Struck at the Denver Mint in 1959, this ninety percent silver half dollar represents a classic era of United States coinage. The coin contains 0.3575 troy ounces of silver, serving as a mid-twentieth-century artifact that honors one of the nation's most influential founding figures. Designed by John R. Sinnock, the coin's visual presentation is split between a historic portrait on one side and powerful national symbols on the other. The obverse features a clean profile of Benjamin Franklin facing right. Surrounding his likeness are the inscriptions LIBERTY and IN GOD WE TRUST, along with the 1959 date. This simple, dignified portrait was a departure from the traditional allegorical figures of Liberty that had dominated American coinage for generations. On the reverse, the central focus is the Liberty Bell, complete with its famous crack. To the right of the bell, a small eagle stands with wings spread, a design element included to fulfill legal requirements for the denomination. The inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, and HALF DOLLAR frame the scene. This specific specimen has been graded Mint State 64 with Full Bell Lines, indicating that the horizontal details on the lower portion of the Liberty Bell are exceptionally well-defined and fully struck.