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- Product ID: 20026
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Since there were so many Franklin Half Dollars minted in 1954, by the Denver Mint, the 1954-D Franklin is hardly viewed as collectible but its MS65 grade is ideal. The Certified Franklin Half Dollar 1954-D MS65 NGC is available for a low premium and is certified by NGC. Certified Franklin Half Dollars are perfect for the beginner collector, giving them a learning opportunity in numismatic values and certified coins without spending the high premiums.
The Franklin Half Dollar was abundantly minted from 1948-1963, before being replaced by the Kennedy Half Dollar. Nellie Tayloe Ross, the Mint Director from 1933-1953, was well aware of Benjamin Franklin's stance on having portraits on US money but admired him enough to still fight for his portrait on the next half dollar. He thought it would be better to have Proverbs written on each coin, providing a contemplative thought for the coin holder. Ross defended her decision by saying that Franklin was only familiar with royalty portraits and that a Founding Father, like himself, would be honored to be featured. Franklin is also known for suggesting the wild turkey be the US national bird, since the Bald Eagle is viewed as a scavenger. At the brink of World War II, the Mint Engraver, John R. Sinnock, designed both a Franklin commemorative and a Franklin dime, which neither saw production. Sinnock used the inspiration from both of his designs to create the half dollar but died before its completion. Underneath Franklin's shoulder, Sinnock's initials are etched, JRS. The US Mint was accused of putting Joseph Stalin's initials on the half dollar, but it was clear that Stalin's middle name did not start with the letter "R." The US Mint kept Sinnock's initials on the obverse through the entire minting of the Franklin Half Dollar.