Design Features: The 1960 Franklin Half Dollar features a portrait of Benjamin Franklin on the obverse, designed by John R. Sinnock, and the Liberty Bell with an eagle on the reverse, designed by the same artist.
Mintmark Significance: The coin’s mintmark (P, D, or S) indicates its place of origin. The 1960 Franklin Half Dollar was produced at the Philadelphia (no mintmark), Denver ("D"), and San Francisco ("S") mints.
Composition: The 1960 Franklin Half Dollar is made of 90% silver and 10% copper, with a total weight of 12.5 grams. Its silver content makes it more valuable than its face value, especially when silver prices rise.
Mintage Numbers: The 1960 Franklin Half Dollar had a mintage of approximately 41 million coins across all mintmarks. While relatively common, it can still hold significant value, particularly in higher grades.
Grading and Condition: The value of the coin increases with its condition. Higher grades, such as MS63 or MS64, can be worth considerably more than those in lower grades.
Popularity Among Collectors: The Franklin Half Dollar series, which was produced from 1948 to 1963, is popular due to its historical significance and Benjamin Franklin’s legacy.
Silver Content Value: Beyond its numismatic value, the 1960 Franklin Half Dollar’s silver content provides an intrinsic value based on the current price of silver.
Historical Significance: The Franklin Half Dollar is unique in that it is the first U.S. half dollar to feature a real person, Benjamin Franklin, on the obverse.