Franklin Half Dollars (1948-1963)

When the

Franklin half dollar

was introduced in 1948, it marked the first time an American who was not a president was pictured on a regular-issue U.S. coin. Plus, the Franklin half dollars were the last series struck entirely in 90% silver. Ben Franklin half dollar coins honor the scientist, inventor and writer who also served as one of our nation’s founding fathers. The Franklin half dollar’s reverse features the Liberty Bell, a symbol of American freedom.