10 Most Valuable Franklin Half Dollars: Everything You Need

This series was minted from 1948 to 1963. It is a favorite among numismatists because of its historical significance, beautiful design and valuable silver content. 

Many of these coins remain affordable but some rare variations and high-grade specimens command high prices. That is why it is important to understand your silver Franklin Half Dollar value because it can be expensive.

Today we are going to explore the Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar collection 1948 to 1963 value and find out the top 10 most valuable coins from it. Moreover, you will know what Coin ID Scanner is.

Disclaimer: Coin values in this Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar value chart fluctuate based on condition, demand and silver prices. Always consult a numismatic expert or use a reliable tool to verify your coin’s value.

A Few Words about the Collection

It was first minted in 1948 and continued production until 1963. The coin was introduced to honor Benjamin Franklin, one of America’s Founding Fathers. It replaced the Walking Liberty Half Dollar. Franklin was known for his contributions to science, politics and literature - a fitting figure for U.S. currency.

Designed by John R. Sinnock, the coin features a portrait on the obverse and the Liberty Bell on the reverse. However, due to a legal requirement that all half-dollar coins must include an eagle, a small eagle was added to the right of the bell.

As of February 23, 2025, the Franklin Half Dollar melt value is approximately $11.73. This is derived from the coin's silver content—each coin contains 0.3617 troy ounces of silver—and the current silver spot price of $32.42 per ounce. 

Please note that melt values fluctuate with the market price of silver. For the most accurate and up-to-date melt value, use a melt value calculator, e.g., the one provided by Stack's Bowers. 

Additionally, while the melt value reflects the intrinsic metal worth, the actual market value of a coin, e.g., the 1948 Franklin Half Dollar value, can be higher. Let us now find them out. 

Top 10 Most Valuable Coins

1. 1963 Full Bell Line – $85,188

The 1963 Franklin Half Dollar value is exceptionally high when found with FBL (Full Bell Line Franklin Half Dollar). As the final year of the series, this coin is the end of a time before the switch to the Kennedy Half Dollar.

So, it is the last year of issue. That is why it has a special place in numismatic history. Many collectors seek to complete their sets with a high-grade specimen from this year, increasing demand and 1963 Ben Franklin half dollar value sums.

Key Features:

• Minted in Philadelphia, this coin lacks a mintmark.

• Full Bell Line (FBL) status increases its value, as it signifies a fully struck Liberty Bell with clear horizontal lines.

• High-grade examples are rare, e.g., some of the 1963 D Franklin Half Dollar value.

Notable Auction Sale:

Grade: MS 66+ FBL

Sale Price: $85,188

Date: September 26, 2019

2. 1958 Full Bell Line – $129,250

The 1958 Franklin Half Dollar value is one of the highest in the series due to its exceptional strike quality. This year is well known for the scarcity of FBL specimens. So, this coin is a great investment.

The late 1950s was a time of high production for this coin series, but 1958 is special because of the difficulty in finding well-struck examples. This rarity elevates its market value.

Key Features:

• No mintmark, indicating Philadelphia Mint origin.

• Full Bell Line (FBL) designation makes it highly collectible.

• High-grade specimens are incredibly rare, with very few achieving MS 67+ FBL status.

Notable Auction Sale:

Grade: MS 67+ FBL

Sale Price: $129,250

Date: September 27, 2018

3. 1953-S Full Bell Line – $69,000

The 1953 Franklin Half Dollar value is high when found with Full Bell Lines. The San Francisco Mint coins from this year are particularly difficult to find in high grades.

The San Francisco Mint (S) coins from 1953 were produced in relatively low numbers, and the quality was often subpar. This makes well-preserved examples with Full Bell Lines exceptionally valuable.

Key Features:

• San Francisco Mint (S) mintmark.

• Low mintage compared to other years.

• Fewer well-struck specimens exist, increasing its numismatic value.

Notable Auction Sale:

Grade: MS 66 FBL

Sale Price: $69,000

Date: March 3, 2001

4. 1961 Proof DDR – $14,400

The 1961 Franklin Half Dollar value is highly dependent on proof errors like the Doubled Die Reverse (DDR) variety, which is desirable by many collectors.

Proof coins were struck with extra care for numismatists but occasional die misalignments led to errors, e.g., the Doubled Die Reverse (DDR) variety in 1961.

Key Features:

• No mintmark, indicating Philadelphia Mint.

• Proof coin with a Doubled Die Reverse (DDR) error.

• Deep cameo contrast enhances its desirability.

Notable Auction Sale:

Grade: PR 68

Sale Price: $14,400

Date: August 11, 2020

5. 1955 Full Bell Line – $14,100

The 1955 Franklin Half Dollar value remains high due to the famous Bugs Bunny Franklin Half Dollar variety.

The 1955 specimen is known for its die clash error, where Franklin appears to have buck teeth. This is the reason why it earned the nickname Bugs Bunny. This error makes it a favorite among collectors.

Key Features:

• No mintmark, indicating Philadelphia Mint.

• Full Bell Line (FBL) status increases value.

• Bugs Bunny error variety.

Notable Auction Sale:

Grade: MS 67 FBL

Sale Price: $14,100

Date: January 6, 2016

6. 1952 Full Bell Line – $42,300

The 1952 Franklin Half Dollar value is especially high in well-preserved specimens with Full Bell Lines. 

Coins from 1952 were well-circulated, and finding a high-grade FBL example is rare. So, many collectors want to have one.

Key Features:

• No mintmark, minted in Philadelphia.

• Full Bell Line specimens fetch premium prices.

Notable Auction Sale:

Grade: MS 67+ FBL

Sale Price: $42,300

Date: January 27, 2019

7. 1951-S Full Bell Line – $30,550

The 1951 Franklin Half Dollar value is particularly high due to the difficulty in finding well-struck San Francisco Mint examples.

San Francisco Mint strikes often had weaker details. This makes an FBL example from this year very valuable.

Key Features:

• San Francisco Mint (S) mintmark.

• High-quality strikes are rare.

Notable Auction Sale:

Grade: MS 67 FBL

Sale Price: $30,550

Date: April 24, 2013

8. 1950 Full Bell Line – $39,600

The 1950 Franklin Half Dollar value is particularly high in top grades, especially with Full Bell Lines. It is one of the early years of the series, and well-preserved specimens are harder to find.

Key Features:

• No mintmark, indicating Philadelphia Mint.

• A popular date among collectors.

Notable Auction Sale:

Grade: MS 67+ FBL

Sale Price: $39,600

Date: October 22, 2018

9. 1960 Full Bell Line – $28,200

The 1960 Franklin Half Dollar value remains strong due to its exceptional strike and Full Bell Line designation. Moreover, as the last decade of the series, 1960 coins are of special interest among collectors.

Key Features:

• No mintmark, minted in Philadelphia.

• Full Bell Line examples are very valuable.

Notable Auction Sale:

Grade: MS 67 FBL

Sale Price: $28,200

Date: August 10, 2016

10. 1962 Full Bell Line – $17,825

The 1962 Franklin Half Dollar value increases very much in high grades, especially with FBL designation.

1962 was the penultimate year for the series, as coins in high grades had strong prices.

Key Features:

• No mintmark, minted in Philadelphia.

• Full Bell Line examples are highly desirable.

Notable Auction Sale:

Grade: MS 66 FBL

Sale Price: $17,825

Date: July 20, 2004

Identify and Value Your Coins

If you own a coin and want to know its value, the Coin ID Scanner app is the perfect tool for you. This app makes it possible for users to scan coins instantly for identification and pricing.

With an easy-to-use interface and a big coin database, the Coin ID Scanner provides numismatic details that help collectors and investors make informed decisions. Download it today and find out the true value of your Ben Franklin Half Dollar silver value!

Sources:

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/

2. https://www.apmex.com/