The 1957 Half Dollar features an image of the Liberty Bell on the reverse and Benjamin Franklin on the obverse. Like other Franklin Half Dollars, it contains 90% silver and is considered valuable and highly collectible.
The Story Behind the 1957 Franklin Half Dollar
The Franklin Half Dollar coin was introduced by the U.S. Mint in 1948 and was minted until 1963 when it was replaced by the Kennedy Half Dollar.
Franklin was chosen due to his profound contributions to American history and status as one of the most significant founding fathers.
Designed by John R. Sinnock, the Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint at the time, the coin’s obverse features a portrait of Franklin, and the reverse features the Liberty Bell.
The Franklin Half Dollar was the first circulating U.S. coin to feature a non-president, Benjamin Franklin, on the obverse.
The reverse shows the Liberty Bell, a symbol of American independence, with a small eagle beside it, required by law for all half-dollar coins.
1957 Franklin Half Dollar Value
The value of each uncirculated 1957 Franklin Half Dollar is $12.11 based on today’s silver spot price of $33.48. Each $1 Face Value of circulated coins has a melt value of roughly $23.94 using the industry standard of .715 troy ounces per face value.
Each $10 bankroll of Franklin Half Dollars is worth $239.41 based on its melt value.
Each coin is worth $12.11 based on the spot price of $33.48
1957 Franklin Half Dollar Mintages
In 1957, the Denver and Philadelphia mints resumed production of the Franklin Half Dollar, while output in the San Francisco mint remained on hold.
Coins produced in Philadelphia do not have a mint mark, while the Denver Mint coins feature the “D” mint mark. The San Francisco Mint produced no business strike coins for circulation in 1957.
Philadelphia Mint 5,114,000
Denver Mint 19,966,850
San Francisco Mint
1957 Franklin Half Dollar Mintage Total 25,080,850
1957 Franklin Half Dollar Specifications
Obverse Text: 1957 | IN GOD WE TRUST | LIBERTY
Reverse Text: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | HALF DOLLAR | E PLURIBUS UNUM
Mint Marks: None – Philadelphia Mint, D – Denver Mint
Gross Weight: 12.5 grams (0.402 troy ounces)
Silver Content: 90%
Silver Weight: 3617 troy ounces
Silver Melt:
Diameter: 30.6 mm
Thickness: 2.15 mm
Edge: Reeded
Composition: Silver .900, Copper .100
1 – Based on today’s silver spot price of $33.48.
The value of common-date circulated 1957 Franklin Silver Half Dollars is derived from their silver content. However, some coins in better condition may have some numismatic value to collectors.
Notably, those with “full bell lines” (FBL), showing that the three lines at the lower part of the bell on the reverse are continuous from side to side, may be worth more than the melt value.
1957 Half Dollar Value
The value of a 1957 Franklin Half Dollar largely depends on its condition and silver content. Since it contains 0.36169 troy ounces of silver, its melt value is tied to current market prices.
Currently, commonly circulated examples might be worth between $10 and $15 based purely on silver content. However, coins in uncirculated or mint state condition can fetch $25 to $100 or more, depending on grading.
Who Was Benjamin Franklin?
her in Philadelphia, creating publications like the “Poor Richard’s Almanack.”
After retiring from his printing business at 42, Franklin devoted considerable time to scientific experiments, political activities, and other pursuits.
During the Revolutionary War, he served as an ambassador to France and was instrumental in securing their support.
After the War, Franklin was a member of the Constitutional Convention and played a critical role in drafting and promoting the U.S. Constitution. He remained active in public affairs and advocated for the abolition of slavery.
Franklin and the Masons
Franklin joined the fraternal organization in 1731 and became a Grand Master of the Masons of Pennsylvania. The Freemasons, known for their use of symbols, have often sparked speculation about hidden symbols in various designs, including currency.
While some have speculated that Masonic symbols might be present in the design of the Franklin Half Dollar, no specific Masonic symbols are confirmed. The Liberty Bell is a historic and patriotic symbol. While some argue that the crack in the bell or other design elements could have symbolic meanings, these interpretations are not officially acknowledged.
1957 Franklin Error Coins
While no significant or widely recognized error coins exist from the 1957 Franklin Half Dollar mintage, errors, such as die cracks, planchet errors, and off-center strikes, could occur in any minting year and may carry a premium depending on rarity and condition.
1957 Half Dollar Proof Coins
The Philadelphia Mint issued approximately 1,247,952 1957 half-dollar Proof Coins. These coins are notable for their sharp details and mirror-like finishes and sell for more than their circulated counterparts. The value starts around $30 and goes upwards, depending on condition and cameo contrast.
– Proof Coins: Those with a deep cameo contrast are more valuable.
– Higher Graded Coins: Coins graded MS65 or higher by third-party graders like PCGS or NGC will be more valuable.
– Error Coins: Those coins could fetch a significant premium if a minting error is discovered.
The value of a 1957 Franklin Half Dollar will vary depending on its condition, with mint-state and proof issues commanding the highest premiums. Franklin’s legacy as a founding father, inventor, and diplomat makes this coin an essential part of U.S. numismatic history and a desirable collectible for history fans and collectors.
Most circulated Franklin Silver Half Dollars from 1957 will be sold as junk silver. However, some coins in better condition may have some numismatic value to collectors. Notably, those with “full bell lines” (FBL), showing that the three lines at the lower part of the bell on the reverse are continuous from side to side, may be worth more than the melt value.