Numismatic

1960-D Franklin Half Dollar BU

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In 1960, the United States Mint in Denver struck this fifty-cent piece, a classic representation of mid-twentieth-century American coinage. Struck in 90 percent silver, the coin contains 0.3575 troy ounces of precious metal. Its brilliant uncirculated finish preserves the sharp details of the original artistry, allowing observers to appreciate the engraving exactly as it appeared when it first left the coining press. The front of the coin features a right-facing portrait of Benjamin Franklin, designed by sculptor John R. Sinnock. Surrounding the likeness of the famous statesman and inventor are the traditional inscriptions of LIBERTY and IN GOD WE TRUST, along with the 1960 production year. This portrait broke with the long-standing tradition of placing allegorical figures of Liberty on circulating silver coins, opting instead for a historical American citizen. On the reverse side, the central focus is the Liberty Bell, complete with its famous crack. To the right of the bell, a small eagle is depicted, satisfying the legal requirement for the denomination. The reverse also bears the national motto, E PLURIBUS UNUM, and states the coin's face value as HALF DOLLAR. Just above the bell's yoke, the Denver Mint's small D mint mark is visible, identifying the origin of this silver piece.