Description
For those investors, and even collectors, not interested in paying the higher premiums associated with proof coinage bearing iconic imagery, it is still possible to get involved in precious metal investing and collecting. 90% Silver coins from previous circulation in the United States are an excellent, affordable option. Right now, 90% Silver Franklin Half dollars are available to purchase online from Wall Street Metals.
Coin Highlights:
- Contains approximately 7.15 Troy oz of actual silver in BU condition.
- Bears a face value of $.50 (USD) backed by the federal government.
- Obverse features the right-profile portrait of Franklin.
- Reverse includes the Liberty Bell.
Each of the 90% Silver Franklin Half Dollar coins in this listing are in BU condition.
Starting in 1933, US Mint Director Nellie Tayloe Ross wanted to see the man she admired on the nations coinage. However, the quarter had just been redesigned in 1932 to feature George Washington. The Walking Liberty Half Dollar and Mercury Dime could be changed without Congressional approval in 1940, but World War II interfered.
The high demand for coins during World War II made it difficult to replace designs, with the half dollar and dime eligible as of 1940. In 1946, the dime was redesigned to honor the recently deceased President Franklin D. Roosevelt. That left the Walking Liberty Half Dollar to be replaced with Franklins likeness. Benjamin Franklin appeared on the obverse of the half dollar from 1948 until 1964.
Today, pre-1964 US silver coinage is a great source of affordable investments for precious metal collectors. The 90% silver status of the coins makes them less expensive than current wall street coinage, but they still bear engaging designs that at one point in time captivated the nation.
On the obverse of the 90% Silver Franklin Half Dollar coin is the image of Benjamin Franklin in right-profile relief. It was created by Chief Engraver of the United States Mint, John R. Sinnock. It included the words Liberty above and In God We Trust below, with a year of issue to the right of Franklin.
The reverse of all Franklin Half Dollar coins includes the Liberty Bell as the primary design feature, however, US law requires the American bald eagle to appear on the reverse of all American coinage. As such, a small heraldic eagle was added to the right of the Liberty Bell image.
