A Franklin Half Dollar contains 0.3575 troy ounces of silver. Minted from 1948 to 1963 in 90% silver, it is a staple of the junk silver market. Its melt value updates in real time based on the current silver spot price — use the calculator below.
Melt value only. Collector premiums and dealer spreads not included. Based on 0.3575 troy oz silver per coin (standard circulated weight).
Coin Specifications
Franklin Half Dollar Value Specs
Composition
90% silver, 10% copper
Gross Weight
12.50g
Silver Content
0.3575 troy oz
Face Value
$0.50
Mint Years
1948-1963
Mint Marks
Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), San Francisco (S)
Diameter
30.6mm
Designer
John R. Sinnock
Background
Why Stackers Track This Coin
The Franklin Half Dollar was minted from 1948 through 1963, featuring Benjamin Franklin on the obverse and the Liberty Bell on the reverse. Designed by John R. Sinnock, the series had a relatively short run — it was replaced by the Kennedy Half Dollar in 1964 following President Kennedy's assassination. For stackers, Franklin Halves are an excellent entry point into 90% silver half dollars. They typically carry lower premiums than Walking Liberty Halves while containing identical silver content. A full set spans just 35 coins across three mints, making them popular with collectors as well as stackers.
Compare
Franklin Half Dollar Value vs Similar Coins
All 90% silver half dollars contain 0.3575 oz of silver. The Franklin Half is the most affordable of the 90% half dollar series, often carrying the lowest premium over melt.
Coin
Composition
Silver (oz)
Melt Value
Notes
Franklin Half Dollar Valuethis coin
90% silver, 10% copper
0.3575 oz
—
—
Walking Liberty Half (1916-1947)
90%
0.3575 oz
—
Same silver content, higher collector demand
Kennedy Half (1964)
90%
0.3575 oz
—
Same silver content, most recognized
Kennedy Half (1965-1970)
40%
0.14792 oz
—
Less than half the silver content
Barber Half (1892-1915)
90%
0.3575 oz
—
Same silver content, older series
Common Questions
Franklin Half Dollar Value FAQ
How much silver is in a Franklin Half Dollar?
A Franklin Half Dollar contains 0.3575 troy ounces of silver. It is struck in 90% silver and 10% copper with a gross weight of 12.50 grams. This is identical to the Walking Liberty Half and the 1964 Kennedy Half — all 90% silver half dollars contain the same amount of silver per coin.
What years were Franklin Half Dollars minted?
Franklin Half Dollars were minted from 1948 through 1963. All dates contain 90% silver. The series was discontinued in 1964 when the Kennedy Half Dollar was introduced. Any Franklin Half Dollar is 90% silver regardless of date, mint mark, or condition.
Are Franklin Half Dollars a good stacking coin?
Yes. Franklin Halves are one of the best value options in 90% silver half dollars. They typically carry lower premiums than Walking Liberty Halves while containing identical silver content at 0.3575 oz per coin. For pure silver stacking, they offer excellent value.
Why did the Franklin Half Dollar series end in 1963?
The Franklin Half Dollar was replaced in 1964 by the Kennedy Half Dollar following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in November 1963. Congress authorized the new design within weeks of his death, and Kennedy Halves entered circulation in early 1964.
How much is a Franklin Half Dollar worth today?
The melt value of a Franklin Half Dollar changes with the silver spot price. At $30 silver it is worth approximately $10.73. At $40 silver approximately $14.30. At $80 silver approximately $28.60. Franklin Halves typically sell near melt value for common dates in circulated condition. Use the live calculator above for the current melt value.
If you're tracking multiple coins, MyOunces automatically calculates your total melt value across gold, silver, platinum, and palladium with live spot prices.