Contents:
- The Design of the Coin
- Actual Silver Weight (ASW)
- How Much Is a 1957 Half Dollar Worth?
- 1957 Half Dollar No Mint Mark
- 1957 D Franklin Half Dollar Value
- 1957 Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar Value Proof
- Why There Is No 'S' Mint Mark
- Common Errors and Varieties to Look For
- How to Check the Value and Sell The Coin
- Frequently Asked Questions
Before creating your own collection of the Franklin Half Dollar, it's worth figuring out which year is more valuable, and examining each year with all possible mistakes. Because sometimes one year is rich in mistakes and collectible coins, and the other is not very common and will be considered common among numismatists.
And even if you don't understand how people identify coins right now, with experience you'll be able to figure it out right away.
The Design of the Coin
The obverse side of the coin features a dignified portrait of Franklin facing right, with the word "LIBERTY" above his head and the phrase "IN GOD WE TRUST" below.
The reverse side presents a simple yet powerful image of the Liberty Bell, a famous symbol of American independence, with a small eagle to its right.
This eagle was added to meet a legal requirement that all half dollars must feature the bird.
The words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" are inscribed at the top, and "HALF DOLLAR" is at the bottom.
The motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM" is also present on the left side of the bell.
Actual Silver Weight (ASW)
The 1957 silver half dollar value is directly tied to its metal content. All Franklin Half Dollars were made of 90% silver and 10% copper. The total weight of the coin is 12.5 grams.
To find the Actual Silver Weight (ASW), you can do a simple calculation: 12.5 grams×0.90 silver purity=11.25 grams.
How Much Is a 1957 Half Dollar Worth?
Name | Approximate Value |
1957 Half Dollar (Philadelphia) | $11 - $1,000+ |
1957-D Half Dollar (Denver) | $11 - $1,200+ |
1957 Franklin Half Dollar Proof | $20 - $1,500+ |
The 1957 Franklin half dollar value can change based on market demand, condition, grading, and the specific characteristics of individual coins.
1957 Half Dollar No Mint Mark
Mintage: 5,114,000
Weight: 12.5 grams
Diameter: 30.6 millimeters
Composition: 90% silver and 10% copper
Auction Record: A superb example in a very high grade, specifically a 1957 Half Dollar graded MS67+ FBL (Full Bell Lines), sold for $4,560 on Heritage Auctions in December 2023.
Market Value
Condition | Value |
G-4 (Good) | $11 |
VF-20 (Very Fine) | $11.50 |
AU-58 (About Uncirculated) | $14 - $15 |
MS-63 (Uncirculated) | $28 |
MS-65 (Gem Uncirculated) | $40 - $60 |
MS-66 FBL (Full Bell Lines) | $150 - $200 |
MS-67+ FBL (Full Bell Lines) | $1,000 - $4,500+ |
The 1957 Ben Franklin half dollar value can change based on market demand, condition, grading, and the specific characteristics of individual coins.
1957 D Franklin Half Dollar Value
Mintage: 19,966,850
Weight: 12.5 grams
Diameter: 30.6 millimeters
Composition: 90% silver and 10% copper
Auction Record: An exceptionally well-preserved 1957-D franklin half dollar value, graded PCGS MS67 FBL (Full Bell Lines), was determined for $1,718.75 on the LCR Coin platform at an unspecified date.
Market Value
Condition | Value |
G-4 (Good) | $11 |
VF-20 (Very Fine) | $11.50 |
AU-58 (About Uncirculated) | $14 - $15 |
MS-63 (Uncirculated) | $28 |
MS-65 (Gem Uncirculated) | $50 - $75 |
MS-66 FBL (Full Bell Lines) | $180 - $250 |
MS-67 FBL (Full Bell Lines) | $1,200 - $1,700+ |
The 1957 D half dollar value can change based on market demand, condition, grading, and the specific characteristics of individual coins.
1957 Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar Value Proof
Mintage: 1,247,952
Weight: 12.5 grams
Diameter: 30.6 millimeters
Composition: 90% silver and 10% copper
Auction Record: A 1957 half dollar value today, graded NGC PF 69 CAMEO, was determined on eBay for $1,578.25 in a recent sale.
Market Value
Condition | Value |
PR-63 (Proof) | $20 - $25 |
PR-65 (Proof) | $30 - $40 |
PR-67 (Proof) | $50 - $80 |
PR-68 (Proof) | $100 - $200 |
PR-69 (Proof) | $250 - $500+ |
PR-69 CAMEO | $1,500+ |
Values change based on market demand, condition, grading, and the specific characteristics of individual coins.
Why There Is No 'S' Mint Mark
As for mint marks, the 1957 Franklin Half Dollar series only includes coins with a "D" mint mark and those with no mint mark (from Philadelphia), but you can notice the absence of an "S" for the San Francisco Mint.
This is because the San Francisco Mint ceased the production of circulating coins, including the Franklin Half Dollar, in 1955 until 1965.
Common Errors and Varieties to Look For
Repunched Mint Mark (RPM): This occurs when the Denver Mint "D" was struck more than once, creating a doubled or overlapping appearance. Look at the "D" mint mark on the reverse of the coin to see if there are any signs of a second, overlapping "D".
Bugs Bunny Variety: This is a result of a die clash where the obverse and reverse dies struck each other without a coin blank in between. This left a mark on Franklin's mouth that makes it appear as though he has "buck teeth."
Struck-Through Errors: These errors happen when a foreign object or debris, such as grease, cloth, or a metal shaving, gets in between the die and the coin planchet during striking.
How to Check the Value and Sell The Coin
Determining the exact value of 1957 half dollar can be tricky, but there are several steps you can take. First, you need to assess its condition.
Coins with no wear and a strong, original luster are worth much more than those that have been in circulation. Look for details on Franklin's hair and the lines on the Liberty Bell; if they are sharp and clear, the coin is in a better grade.
To get the most accurate value, it is best to have your coin professionally graded by a service like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) and the Coin ID Scanner app, or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company). These companies will give your coin a specific grade, which helps you understand its true market 1957 half dollar coin value.
When you are ready to sell, you can use online auction sites like eBay, coin forums, or specialized coin dealers. You can also sell to local coin shops, but they might not offer the highest price because they need to make a profit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 1957 half dollar rare?
The 1957 Franklin Half Dollar is not considered rare, but it can be rare in high, uncirculated grades, especially for proof coins with strong cameo contrast or for specific die errors.
Does a 1957 half dollar have a mint mark?
The 1957 Franklin Half Dollar can have a mint mark. Coins from the Denver Mint have a small "D" on the reverse side, while those from the Philadelphia Mint have no mint mark.
How can I check the grade of my coin?
You can check the grade by looking closely at the coin for signs of wear. For a detailed and professional grade, it is best to send the coin to a third-party grading service like PCGS or NGC.
Why is the 1957 half dollar valuable?
The coin is valuable for two main reasons. First, it is a 1957 silver half dollar, meaning it contains real silver, which gives it a minimum half dollar 1957 value based on the current market price of silver. Second, its value to collectors increases with its condition and rarity.
What is a 1957 half dollar worth?
The 1957 Franklin half dollar proof value varies greatly with its condition. A lower-grade proof might be worth $20 to $30, but a perfect, high-grade proof coin can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
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