1952 Half Dollar Silver Melt Value

To accurately assess the 1952 Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar and understand its potential worth, consider these crucial elements that influence any coin's market price:

• Rarity: Simply put, coins that are harder to find are typically worth more. This includes those with a limited original production or fewer surviving examples over time. You can check the rarity of the coin by yourself through the free old coin value checker.

• Condition (Grade): This is perhaps the most important factor. A coin's grade describes its level of preservation – how much wear it shows, whether its original shine is present, and if there's any damage. Professional grading standards are used to define these conditions, directly affecting the value of 1952 Half Dollar coins.

• Mint Mark: A small letter, such as "P," "D," or "S," identifies which mint facility produced the coin. Different mints had varying production numbers in a given year, which can make coins from one mint rarer than another. For the 1952 Half Dollar mint mark location, you'll find it on the reverse side, just above the Liberty Bell.

• Errors: Sometimes, mistakes happen during the minting process. These "accidental imperfections," like a double strike where the design is stamped twice, or an off-center strike where the design isn't perfectly in the middle, can turn an ordinary coin into a highly collectible and valuable item. You'll discover more about specific 1952 Half Dollar error types later in this guide.

• Demand: Coins with popular designs, significant historical connections, or unique features often attract strong interest, driving up their market price. A coin's ultimate Half Dollar 1952 value is also shaped by how many collectors want it.

Current Melt Value Calculation (Approximate as of May 27, 2025):

This value is determined by multiplying the coin's actual silver weight by the current spot price of silver. It's important to understand that while melt value provides a floor for the coin's worth, collector demand and the coin's condition often push its market price significantly higher than just its silver content.

Coin Specifications for Silver Content:

Total Weight: 12.50 grams

Silver Purity: 90%

Actual Silver Weight (ASW): 11.25 grams

With silver prices fluctuating daily, the exact melt value will change accordingly. As of the latest market data, the price of silver is approximately $1.07 per gram.

To calculate the approximate melt value of a single 1952 Franklin Half Dollar:

11.25 grams (ASW) * $1.07/gram (current silver price) = ~$12.04 USD

1952 Half Dollar No Mint (Philadelphia) Value 

In the middle of the 20th century, the United States was experiencing the post-World War II economic boom. The 1952 Half Dollar No Mint Mark indicates it was struck at the Philadelphia Mint. The Franklin Half Dollar, introduced just four years prior, quickly became a staple in daily commerce. 

Coin Specifications:

• Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper

• Weight: 12.50 grams

• Diameter: 30.6 millimeters

• Edge: Reeded

• Mintage: 21,192,093 (Business Strikes)

• Special Features: Features Benjamin Franklin on the obverse and the Liberty Bell with a small eagle on the reverse. Absence of a mint mark is typical for Philadelphia issues. Highly sought after with "Full Bell Lines" (FBL) detail.

Market Value

The 1952 Franklin Half Dollar value is significantly influenced by its condition and the presence of any rare errors.

1952-D (Denver) Half Dollar Value

The 1952-D Franklin Half Dollar value saw significant output from the Denver Mint, supporting the robust economy of the central and western United States. Its considerable output in 1952 ensured that the Franklin Half Dollar remained a common sight in pockets and tills across a vast region during a period of robust economic activity.

Coin Specifications:

• Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper

• Weight: 12.50 grams

• Diameter: 30.6 millimeters

• Edge: Reeded

• Mintage: 25,395,600 (Business Strikes)

• Special Features: Struck at the Denver Mint with a "D" mint mark. For those who ask where is the mint mark on a 1952 Half Dollar, you should look on the reverse side of the coin. Demand for these coins is strong in higher uncirculated grades, especially for those displaying sharp "Full Bell Lines" on the Liberty Bell.

Market Value

Listed prices are approximate and may vary depending on the coin's condition, market demand, and other factors.

1952-S (San Francisco) Half Dollar Value

The 1952 S Half Dollar value is generally higher than its Philadelphia or Denver counterparts due to its lower mintage. The 1952-S Franklin Half Dollar fulfilled the coinage needs of the West Coast and Pacific regions during an era of significant economic growth and population movement.

Coin Specifications:

• Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper

• Weight: 12.50 grams

• Diameter: 30.6 millimeters

• Edge: Reeded

• Mintage: 5,526,000 (Business Strikes)

• Special Features: Struck at the San Francisco Mint with an "S" mint mark. Due to its lower mintage, it is generally considered the key date for 1952, especially in high uncirculated grades with "Full Bell Lines."

Market Value

Listed prices are approximate and may vary depending on the coin's condition, market demand, and other factors.

1952 Half Dollar Doubled Dies

Doubled die errors occur when the coin die receives more than one impression from the master hub, with each impression being slightly offset. This results in a visible doubling of elements on the coin, such as letters, numbers, or design features. For the 1952 Franklin Half Dollar, doubled die varieties are known on both the obverse (DDO) and reverse (DDR). The DDE version of 1952 Half Dollar silver content is still 90% silver and 10% copper, contributing to its intrinsic value

Coin Specifications:

• Edge: Reeded

• Special Features: Look for clear doubling on design elements at 1952 liberty Half Dollar value. Common areas include Franklin's features, the date, and the lettering on the reverse (e.g., "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "E PLURIBUS UNUM," or "Half Dollar").

Market Value

Listed prices are approximate and may vary depending on the coin's condition, market demand, and other factors.

Rare "Bugs Bunny" 

The "Bugs Bunny" variety is a famous and highly sought-after die clash error found on 1952 Liberty Bell Half Dollar. This error occurs when the obverse and reverse dies strike each other without a coin blank in between them. Parts of one die's design are then impressed onto the other die. In the case of the "Bugs Bunny" error, a specific die clash makes Franklin's mouth appear to have prominent buck teeth, resembling the famous cartoon character.

Interesting Note: Some collectors think that the 1952 George Carver Half Dollar is a variation of Franklin Halves. But 1952 George Carver Half Dollar is a commemorative coin, a separate series from the Franklin Half Dollar.

Coin Specifications:

• Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper

• Special Features: A die clash error visible on Benjamin Franklin's upper lip/mouth area, creating the appearance of prominent "buck teeth." This variety is cataloged as FS-401 for business strikes and FS-403 for proofs.

Market Value

Listed prices are approximate and may vary depending on the coin's condition, market demand, and other factors.

In conclusion, a well-preserved Ben Franklin Half Dollar 1952 can be a valuable addition to any collection. Understanding the nuances of mint marks, condition, and the various types of errors allows you to truly appreciate the history and potential value of these iconic silver Half Dollars. Always examine your coins closely, as even a seemingly ordinary Half Dollar might hold a hidden story and significant value.

Related Coin Value Guides:

• 1942 Half Dollars​ Coin Value
• 1913 Half Dollar Coin Value
• 1776-1976 Kennedy Half Dollar Coin Value
• 1964 Half Dollar Coin Value
• 1971 Kennedy Half Dollar Coin Value