1953 Franklin Half Dollar 50C PCGS MS65- Trader Bea Label

Coin Highlights

• Issuer: United States of America

• Date: 1953

• Mint: Philadelphia (no mintmark)

• Denomination: 50 Cents

• Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper

• Weight: 12.5 g

• Diameter: 30.6 mm

• Grade: PCGS MS65 (Gem Uncirculated)

• Obverse Design: Bust of Benjamin Franklin, designed by John R. Sinnock, with LIBERTY above and IN GOD WE TRUST below.

• Reverse Design: Liberty Bell with a small eagle to the right; inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and HALF DOLLAR.

• Edge: Reeded

Historical Significance

• Struck during the early Franklin Half Dollar years (1948–1963), this issue was produced at all three mints, but the Philadelphia coin saw just 2,668,120 struck—relatively modest compared to later years.

• The Franklin Half was replaced in 1964 by the Kennedy Half Dollar following President Kennedy’s assassination, cutting short the series.

• As one of the few U.S. coins featuring a Founding Father instead of a President, the Franklin Half Dollar remains unique in American coinage history.

Collectibility

• The 1953 Franklin Half is scarce in Gem Mint State grades due to its limited mintage and strike challenges.

• Collectors especially prize Full Bell Lines (FBL) examples, though even non-FBL MS65 coins are in strong demand.

• The Trader Bea label enhances presentation, appealing to collectors who enjoy PCGS specialty holders.

• In MS65, this coin combines Gem-level eye appeal with a relatively affordable entry point for silver-era U.S. half dollar collectors.