Numismatic

1961 Franklin Half Dollar Fine/AU

---

In 1961, the United States Mint produced a half dollar that departed from the traditional depictions of Liberty, opting instead to honor one of the nation's most famous founding figures. The obverse of this ninety percent silver coin showcases a right-facing profile of Benjamin Franklin. Surrounding this historic portrait are the inscriptions of freedom and faith, including the word liberty and the national motto expressing trust in God, alongside the date of production. The reverse of the coin is rich with national symbols, dominated by a detailed depiction of the Liberty Bell. To the right of the cracked bell, a small eagle with open wings is visible, fulfilling a traditional requirement for the denomination. The inscriptions on this side include the traditional Latin phrase meaning out of many, one, the name of the issuing nation, and the fifty-cent face value. Because this particular coin was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, it carries no mint mark, a classic feature of the facility's output during this era.