1948-D Franklin Half Dollar
The 1948 Franklin Half represented the first year that the new design was used. The prior Walking Liberty design had been in use from 1916 to 1947. The response from the coin collecting community was reportedly unenthusiastic for the new Franklin design. For the duration of the series collectors would assemble sets by date and mint mark, but did not pay attention to the finer points such as Full Bell Lines.
The 1948 Franklin Half Dollar was produced at the Philadelphia and Denver Mints. As is the case with many first year of issue coins, these remain readily available in uncirculated grades since many were saved.
1948 Franklin Half Mintage and Specifications
Mintage: 3,006,814 (Philadelphia), 4,028,600 (Denver)
Designers: John R. Sinnock (obverse & reverse), John Frederick Lewis (sketch for reverse model)
Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
Weight: 12.50 grams
Diameter: 30.6 mm
Edge: Reeded
1949 Franklin Half Dollar >
