- #1
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next to the Kennedy Half, They are one of the Most Boring looking halfs
Certainly, the 1955 Franklin half dollar with a total mintage of just 2,876,381 should have created more interest. At the time, however, most would have figured that if you needed a nice example of a 1955 Franklin half dollar, the best thing to do was acquire one of the 378,200 proofs.
There is a very heavy melting factor at work in Franklin half dollars. Many were melted in the late 1970s and early 1980s when silver was near $50 an ounce. The Franklin half dollar might have been saved by a few, but even those expecting big production from their investment had to be discouraged by the late 1970s. To get $15 for any Franklin was an offer too good to refuse.
The result today is that we have unusual supplies. A given date will be common in circulated grades and very tough in top grades. The 1955 is the other way as it’s tougher in circulated grades but surprisingly available in Mint State. That said, it’s still a low mintage date, and one from a very interesting year.
1955 Half Born in Eventful Year for Coins
Certainly, the 1955 Franklin half dollar with a total mintage of just 2,876,381 should have created more interest. At the time, however, most would have figured that if you needed a nice example of a 1955 Franklin half dollar, the best thing to do was acquire one of the 378,200 proofs.
There is a very heavy melting factor at work in Franklin half dollars. Many were melted in the late 1970s and early 1980s when silver was near $50 an ounce. The Franklin half dollar might have been saved by a few, but even those expecting big production from their investment had to be discouraged by the late 1970s. To get $15 for any Franklin was an offer too good to refuse.
The result today is that we have unusual supplies. A given date will be common in circulated grades and very tough in top grades. The 1955 is the other way as it’s tougher in circulated grades but surprisingly available in Mint State. That said, it’s still a low mintage date, and one from a very interesting year.
1955 Half Born in Eventful Year for Coins
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