The 1959 Franklin Half Dollar is worth anywhere from $12 in worn condition to over $5,000 in top-tier mint state grades. Whether you found one in a box of old family belongings or received it as change, this vintage silver coin represents a fascinating era of American history.
| Condition | Philadelphia (No Mint Mark) | Denver (D Mint Mark) |
|---|---|---|
| Circulated (G-XF) | $11 – $15 | $11 – $15 |
| Uncirculated (MS60+) | $25 – $150 | $25 – $120 |
| Gem Mint (MS65+) | $200 – $5,000+ | $150 – $2,500+ |
History and Silver Content of the 1959 Franklin Half Dollar
If you are just starting to explore the treasures in your pocket change, the 1959 Franklin Half Dollar is a great place to begin. Identifying these coins is easier than ever with the best coin identifier app available for collectors today.
The Franklin series ran from 1948 until 1963, when it was prematurely ended to honor the fallen President John F. Kennedy. Designed by John R. Sinnock, the coin features Benjamin Franklin on the obverse and the iconic Liberty Bell on the reverse.
One of the most important things for an “everyday” collector to know is that every 1959 half dollar is made of 90% silver and 10% copper. Because of this high silver content, the coin always has a “melt value” that fluctuates with the market price of silver. Even if the coin is scratched, worn, or dented, it will always be worth significantly more than its 50-cent face value. Using the CoinHix app can help you keep track of these silver price fluctuations in real-time.
Evaluating the 1959 Franklin Half Dollar Philadelphia vs. Denver
In 1959, the United States Mint produced Franklin half dollars at two locations: Philadelphia and Denver. Knowing which version you have is critical to determining the price. Philadelphia coins do not have a mint mark, while Denver coins feature a small “D” above the Liberty Bell on the reverse.
The Philadelphia Mint produced approximately 6 million of these coins, while the Denver Mint produced roughly 13 million. Despite being slightly rarer by the numbers, the Philadelphia 1959 issue is often sought after in higher grades because of its strike quality.
To get a better idea of the current market, you can check the latest 1959 Franklin Half Dollar price chart to see how specific mint grades perform at auction. Generally, for a standard circulated coin, the price remains similar regardless of the mint mark.
| Mint Location | Mint Mark Position | Total Mintage |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | None (Above Bell) | 6,200,000 |
| Denver | “D” (Above Bell) | 13,053,750 |
| Proof (Philly) | None | 1,149,291 |
Determining the Grade and Condition of Your Coin
The difference between a $15 coin and a $500 coin usually comes down to “grading.” For the everyday American, this can be the most confusing part of coin collecting. Most coins found in jars or old wallets are “circulated,” meaning they have wear and tear from being used in commerce.
“About Uncirculated” (AU) coins will have some of their original luster but show light wear on the highest points, such as Franklin’s cheek or the lines on the Liberty Bell. “Mint State” (MS) coins have no wear at all and look exactly as they did when they left the mint.
If you aren’t sure where your coin falls on this scale, the CoinHix app allows you to take a high-resolution photo and get an instant estimation of its condition. For a detailed breakdown of how condition affects costs, you can review this 1959 Benjamin Franklin coin value guide. Remember, even a small scratch or a previous cleaning can lower the value of a rare coin significantly.
The “Full Bell Lines” (FBL) Rare Variant
Advanced collectors look for a specific detail known as “Full Bell Lines” or FBL. This refers to the horizontal lines at the bottom of the Liberty Bell on the reverse side of the coin. Because of the way these coins were struck, it is very rare to find a specimen where these lines are completely crisp and uninterrupted.
A 1959 Franklin Half Dollar with FBL designation can be worth ten times more than a standard version in the same grade. For example, a 1959 Philadelphia coin in MS66 might sell for $300, but if it has Full Bell Lines, that price could easily jump to $1,500 or more.
When inspecting your coin, look closely at the bottom of the bell. If you see two full sets of horizontal lines that are not interrupted by scratches or weak striking, you might have a very valuable treasure on your hands.
| Grade Designation | Philadelphia Value | Denver Value |
|---|---|---|
| MS64 Standard | $40 | $35 |
| MS64 FBL | $150 | $75 |
| MS66 Standard | $125 | $90 |
| MS66 FBL | $2,800 | $450 |
1959 Proof Franklin Half Dollars for Collectors
In addition to the coins made for general circulation, the Philadelphia Mint also produced over 1 million “Proof” coins in 1959. These were specifically made for collectors and was not intended for use in stores. Proof coins are struck twice on polished blanks, giving them a mirror-like finish and incredible detail.
If you find a 1959 Franklin that looks exceptionally shiny, like a mirror, it is likely a Proof coin. These are usually found in their original mint packaging or in protective plastic slabs. While common proofs are affordable, those with a “Cameo” or “Deep Cameo” effect—where the portrait looks frosted against a mirror background—are highly prized.
Collecting proofs is a popular hobby, and the CoinHix app can help you identify whether your coin is a standard proof or a rare Deep Cameo. These specialized ratings can turn a $20 coin into a $500 investment overnight.
Common Errors and Varieties to Watch For
Error coins are the “holy grail” for many collectors because they are unique. In the 1959 series, there aren’t many famous major errors, but minor ones do exist. Look for “Die Cracks,” which look like raised thin lines of metal on the surface, or “Repunched Mint Marks” (mostly on the Denver coins).
Another variety to keep an eye out for is the “Type 1 vs Type 2” reverse on the proofs, which involves the detail on the small eagle to the right of the Liberty Bell. While subtle, these variations can add a premium to the coin’s value for a specialist collector.
Regardless of errors, the sheer silver content makes the 1959 Franklin Half Dollar a “must-keep.” Never clean your coins, as this removes the original surface and can cut the collector value in half. If you’re unsure if your coin has an error, use a magnifying glass and compare it to high-resolution images in a trusted price guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the 1959 Franklin Half Dollar made of real silver?
A: Yes, every 1959 Franklin Half Dollar is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. It contains approximately 0.3617 ounces of pure silver.
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1959 half dollar?
A: The mint mark is located on the reverse side (the side with the Liberty Bell), directly above the center of the bell and below the “E” in “STATES.” A “D” means Denver; no letter means Philadelphia.
Q: Should I clean my 1959 Franklin Half Dollar to make it worth more?
A: No! You should never clean any old coin. Cleaning leaves microscopic scratches and removes the “patina” that collectors look for. A cleaned coin is almost always worth significantly less than an uncleaned one.
Q: Why is my 1959 half dollar worth more than 50 cents?
A: It is worth more for two reasons: its silver content (intrinsic value) and its rarity/condition (numismatic value). Even in poor condition, the silver is worth many times the face value.
Q: How can I sell my 1959 Franklin Half Dollar?
A: You can sell it to a local coin shop, through an online auction like eBay, or at a coin show. Before selling, it’s a good idea to use an app like CoinHix to get an estimate of its current market value so you don’t get underpaid.