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The Proof Franklin Half Dollars were minted from 1950-1963 and were a part of the Proof Set series. Although the San Francisco Mint is known for its production of proof coins, only the Philadelphia Mint took part in the minting of the Proof Franklin Half Dollars. In the first few years of mintage, the Proof Franklin Half Dollars had very low mintages, since it was unknown how they would be received by the public. The Certified Proof Franklin Half Dollar 1959 PF67 NGC has been issued a very coveted grade of MS67, by NGC. NGC is beloved by collectors, mints, and dealers worldwide and are respected for their astounding grading techniques. Collectors take comfort in NGC certified coins, knowing their investment is protected for years to come. Only 1.1 million Proof coins were minted in 1959 so finding one in a high grade is deemed difficult.
The Franklin Half Dollar has a special place in the Philadelphia Mint's heart, since the pictures on the actual coin are native to the original capital of the US. The obverse design reveals a side portrait of Benjamin Franklin, with the coin's date of mintage next to it, knowing Franklin died in Philadelphia. The reverse depicts the famous Liberty Bell, with its crack down the middle, and also contains the coin's legal monetary denomination. The Commission of Fine Arts didn't actually approve of the Liberty bell's crack being pictured, on the reverse of the Franklin half dollar, in fear of it being ridiculed by the public. Although the design was not approved, the US Mint still minted it as the new design. Right before the Franklin Half Dollar was minted, the Mint Director at the time, Nellie Tayloe Ross, long since admired Benjamin Franklin, so when it was time to replace the Walking Liberty, she knew which design would be next. Ross approached the Mint Engraver, John R. Sinnock, and asked him to design a portrait of Franklin for the new half dollar.