Franklin Half Dollars (1948-1963)

Franklin half dollars, first minted in 1948, were produced through 1963, after which time the design was hurriedly dropped to make way for the Kennedy motif, following the assassination of the president. During their time of issue Franklin halves were not popular in a large way, for many numismatists found the design to be unattractive. Pieces, if subjected to just slight handling, were apt to become scarred, particularly on the higher parts of the portrait on the obverse and on the bell on the reverse. When the series breathed its last in 1963, few lamented its passing.

In recent times there has been a revival of interest. Jack Ehrmantraut, Jr. published a study on Proof Franklin half dollars minted from 1950 through 1963, pointing out that certain issues with cameo or frosted heads were especially attractive and desirable. With the advent of the Professional Coin Grading Service and other certification companies, it has been realized that certain common Franklin half dollars are not necessarily common in MS-65 preservation. It is my guess that within the next few years a number of "condition scarcities" (I hesitate to use the term rarities) will emerge in the series. In basic Uncirculated grade, such as MS-60 to MS-63 (a typical grade for a bank-wrapped roll of coins of the period), a Franklin half dollar set is easily completed.

Budget Recommendations: Form a set in VF-20 grade.

Recommendations for the Connoisseur: Go for sharply struck MS-65 coins (see above commentary).

Elite Recommendations: Same as the preceding.

Kennedy Half Dollars (1964 to Date)

From 1964 to date half dollars have been of the Kennedy design, with the obverse portrait by Gilroy Roberts and the reverse motif by Frank Gasparro. Shortly after producing the Kennedy half dollar, Roberts exited the Mint and became a major factor in the launching of Joseph Segel's General Numismatics Corporation, later renamed the Franklin Mint. This private minting enterprise was certainly one of the greatest numismatic financial success stories of all time. For the Franklin Mint Roberts designed many limited edition medals, achieving a personal wealth which no other former Mint chief engraver had ever enjoyed. A minor mystery is this: While millions of business strike Kennedy half dollars are produced each year, such pieces are hardly ever seen in circulation. What happens to them all?

Budget Recommendations: Form a set in VF-30 or better grades. Recent issues can be found for face value by looking through rolls obtained from banks.

Recommendations for the Connoisseur: Go for MS-65 all the way, although you might want to add Proof-65 coins as applicable.

Elite Recommendations: Same as the preceding.