Proof Franklin Half Dollars (Buy on eBay) were struck for nearly every year of the series from 1950 to 1963. The Proof coinage of this era was offered by the United States Mint within complete Proof Sets, containing a Proof version of each denomination struck for circulation during the year.
The Proof coinage of this era was offered by the United States Mint as part of a complete Proof Set. Each set contained a Proof version of each denomination struck for circulation during the year. From 1950 to 1955, the U.S. Mint packaged each Proof coin in an individual cellophane sleeve, stapled all sleeves together at the top, wrapped them in tissue paper, and sealed them in a small square cardboard box. Part of the way through 1955, the U.S. Mint switched to a flat pack style of packaging. Each coin was sealed within an individual compartment of a single cellophane pack and then placed within an envelope between two pieces of cardboard.
The earlier Proof issues of the series have lower mintages and command the highest premiums. The 1950 Proof Franklin Half Dollar had the lowest mintage at 51,386 pieces. The production levels rose gradually through the early 1950’s and then sharply as the format gained widespread popularity with collectors. The highest mintage Proof occurred in 1962 with 3,218,019 pieces struck.
Proof Franklin Half Dollars are most commonly found with fully brilliant surfaces. Coins which display a cameo or deep cameo finish are in higher demand and carry premiums. These coins are characterized by frosted raised design elements against mirrored background fields.
The table below presents the mintage figures for Proof Franklin Half Dollars. There were a total of 14 different Proof coins issued during the series.
Proof Franklin Half Dollar Mintages
| Issue | Mintage |
|---|---|
| 1950 | 51,386 |
| 1951 | 57,500 |
| 1952 | 81,980 |
| 1953 | 128,800 |
| 1954 | 233,300 |
| 1955 | 378,200 |
| 1956 | 669,384 |
| 1957 | 1,247,952 |
| 1958 | 875,652 |
| 1959 | 1,149,291 |
| 1960 | 1,691,602 |
| 1961 | 3,028,244 |
| 1962 | 3,218,019 |
| 1963 | 3,075,645 |
