The 1951 Franklin Half Dollar (Buy on eBay) experienced a jump in production compared to the earlier years of the series. Across the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mint facilities, more than 40 million half dollars were struck for circulation. This was more than triple the number produced in the prior year.
All three issues are obtainable in gem condition with or without full bell lines. The most elusive will be the 1951-S, which typically has a weaker strike and will exhibit a lack of detail in the design. This makes the issue difficult to find with full bell lines, a situation that would repeat for subsequent San Francisco Mint issues.
The United States Mint produced both proof sets and uncirculated mint sets for collectors containing Franklin half Dollars. The proof sets were the only source of the 1951 Proof Franklin Half Dollar, which had a mintage of 57,500 pieces. As with the previous year proof issue, this coin is difficult to find with cameo or deep cameo contrast and these pieces will drive a premium with collectors.
1951 Franklin Half Dollar Specifications
Designer: John R. Sinnock
Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
Weight: 12.50 grams
Diameter: 30.6 mm
Edge: Reeded
1951 Franklin Half Dollar Mintages
1951: 16,802,000
1951-D: 9,475,200
1951-S: 13,696,000
1951 Proof: 57,500
