Conceptual editorial art—not an actual specimen or authentication reference.
Benjamin Franklin on silverHow much silver is in a Franklin Half Dollar?
The Franklin half dollar has 0.36169 fine troy ounces of silver at standard 12.5-gram mint weight.
How to calculate its melt value
Multiply the coin’s nominal fine silver weight (0.36169 troy oz) by the silver spot price you choose. For 10 identical coins, multiply by 10 after calculating one coin. Coin wear and manufacturing tolerances can change the physical metal in an individual specimen.
History and identification
Produced from 1948 to 1963, the Franklin half dollar was replaced by the Kennedy design in 1964.
Before you sell: look for collector value
Condition, toning, and select “full bell lines” designations can matter to collectors.
Unusually sharp mint-state examples and varieties can trade at premiums above their melt value.
How to investigate a specific example
Record the year, mint mark, denomination, measured weight and condition without polishing the surfaces. Compare those features with reference photographs from a respected grading service. If you suspect a scarce date or error, obtain qualified advice before selling the coin as bulk metal.
Reference sources
Nominal fine silver values for common historic U.S. issues are cross-checked against NGC’s melt value table and our sources and methods. Consult series-specific grading references for varieties and numismatic prices.