United States · Half Dollar · 1948–1963
| Country | United States (United States Mint) |
| Denomination | Half Dollar |
| Years struck | 1948–1963 |
| Gross weight | 12.5 g |
| Fine silver (AGW/ASW) | 11.25 g (0.3617 ozt) |
| Composition | 90.0% silver, 10.0% copper |
| Diameter | 30.63 mm |
| Thickness | 1.8 mm |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Designer | John R. Sinnock |
The Franklin half dollar was struck from 1948 to 1963, containing 0.3617 troy ounces (11.25 g) of silver. The series has no rare dates, so its value is driven by silver content and by condition — "Full Bell Lines" uncirculated examples carry premiums.
Benjamin Franklin was the first non-president on a regularly circulating US coin. The series was cut short in 1964, replaced by the Kennedy half dollar within months of the Kennedy assassination.
Obverse bust of Franklin; reverse Liberty Bell with a small eagle added to satisfy the legal requirement that the eagle appear on the half dollar. Full, unbroken lines across the bell (Full Bell Lines) mark a sharp strike.