1956 Proof Franklin Half Dollar
The 1956 Franklin Half was the second of two years when production for the denomination was limited to the Philadelphia Mint.
Higher grade and Full Bell Lines 1956 Franklin Half Dollars are much easier to encounter as compared to previous years. The overall striking quality and detail was vastly improved. Uncirculated coins from this year also tend to exhibit toning, sometimes colorful, other times dark.
The 1956 Proof Franklin Half Dollars are found in two varieties known as Type 1 and Type 2, which can be differentiated by the appearance of the eagle on the reverse of the coins. The Type 1 eagle will have found feathers on each side and the Type 2 will have three feathers on each side. The Type 1 1956 Proof Franklin Half Dollars are the rarer variety, representing about 5% of the total mintage.
1956 Franklin Half Mintage and Specifications
Mintage: 4,032,000 (Philadelphia), 669,384 (Proof - Philadelphia)
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
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