Numismatic

1959 Franklin Half Dollar Fine/AU

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The 1959 Franklin half dollar represents a classic era of mid-century United States coinage. Struck in 90 percent silver, this fifty-cent piece carries a total precious metal weight of 0.3575 troy ounces. The coin is a tribute to one of America's most famous founding figures, presenting a clean and dignified aesthetic that reflects the era of its creation. On the obverse side, a right-facing portrait of Benjamin Franklin takes center stage. This profile, created by designer John R. Sinnock, is accompanied by the word LIBERTY arching above and the national motto IN GOD WE TRUST positioned below, alongside the 1959 date. The simplicity of the portrait offers a striking departure from the allegorical figures that dominated earlier American coinage. The reverse of the coin is dedicated to the Liberty Bell, complete with its famous crack. To the right of the bell, a small eagle with its wings spread wide balances the design, fulfilling the legal requirement to depict the national bird. Surrounding the central image are the inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, the denomination of HALF DOLLAR, and the traditional Latin phrase E PLURIBUS UNUM.