Numismatic

1959 Franklin Half Dollar Gem Proof

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The 1959 Franklin Half Dollar stands as a brilliant example of mid-twentieth-century American coinage. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, this proof-edition coin is composed of 90 percent silver, containing 0.3575 troy ounces of the precious metal. Because it was produced in Philadelphia, it does not feature a mint mark, maintaining a clean and uninterrupted field around its central designs. On the obverse, a right-facing profile of Benjamin Franklin captures the likeness of one of America's most famous founding figures. This portrait, created by designer John R. Sinnock, is accompanied by the classic inscriptions of LIBERTY and IN GOD WE TRUST, with the date 1959 positioned below the bust. The sharp, mirrored finish characteristic of proof strikes emphasizes the fine details of Franklin's features. The reverse of the coin is dedicated to the historic Liberty Bell, complete with its famous crack. To the right of the bell, a small eagle is depicted, satisfying the legal requirement of the era to include the national bird on the half dollar. The inscriptions on this side include UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, the denomination of HALF DOLLAR, and the traditional motto E PLURIBUS UNUM.