In 1953 production of the Franklin Half Dollar coin slowed compared to the previous two years.
In 1953, 2,668,120 Franklin Half Dollar coins were minted at the Philadelphia Mint. These coins do not have a mint mark. This was the second lowest mintage of these coins at the Philadelphia Mint.
At the Denver Mint, 20,900,400 Franklin Half Dollar coins were minted. Franklin Half Dollar coin minted at the Denver Mint are stamped with the “D” mint mark.
The San Francisco Mint produced 4,148,000 coins in 1953 that are stamped with the “S” mint mark.
The Franklin Half Dollar coin was minted from an alloy containing 90% Silver and 10% copper.
1953 Franklin Half Dollar Mintages
| Philadelphia Mint | 2,668,120 |
|---|---|
| Denver Mint | 20,900,400 |
| San Francisco Mint | 4,148,000 |
| 1953 Franklin Half Dollar Mintage Total | 27,716,520 |
1949 Franklin Half Dollar Specifications
| Year: | 1953 |
|---|---|
| Mint Marks: | None – Philadelphia Mint, D – Denver Mint, S – San Francisco Mint |
| Gross Weight: | 12.5 grams (0.402 troy ounces) |
| Silver Content: | 90% |
| Silver Weight: | .3617 troy ounces |
| Silver Melt: | $121 |
| Diameter: | 30.6 mm |
| Thickness: | 2.15 mm |
| Edge: | Reeded |
| Composition: | Silver .900, Copper .100 |
Most circulated Franklin Silver Half Dollars from 1953 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 melt value.
1953 Franklin Half Dollar Melt Value
The melt value of each uncirculated 1953 Franklin Half Dollar is $12 based on today’s silver spot price of $33.16. Each $1 Face Value of circulated coins has a melt value of roughly $23.71 using the industry standard .715 troy ounces per face value.
Each standard bank roll of $10 Face Value (20 Coins) has a melt value of roughly $237.12.