Numismatic

1959-D Franklin Half Dollar MS-64 NGC

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In 1959, the Denver Mint produced a striking silver half dollar that stands as a classic example of mid-century American coinage. This particular specimen has been certified in Mint State 64 (MS-64) condition, preserving the crisp details of a design crafted by John R. Sinnock. Struck in 90 percent silver, the coin contains 0.3575 troy ounces of precious metal and represents a bygone era of circulating silver coinage in the United States. The obverse of the coin presents a clean, right-facing profile of Benjamin Franklin, one of America's most famous founding figures. Surrounding his portrait are the traditional inscriptions LIBERTY and IN GOD WE TRUST, along with the 1959 date. This simple yet elegant portrait offers a distinct departure from the presidential profiles that dominated other denominations of the period. Turning to the reverse, the coin features the historic Liberty Bell as its central motif, complete with its famous crack. To the right of the bell, a small eagle with spread wings is visible, satisfying the legal requirement for the denomination. The reverse also bears the inscriptions E PLURIBUS UNUM and the face value of HALF DOLLAR. Just above the bell's yoke, the small D mint mark indicates this piece was struck at the Denver facility.