Did you find or buy a 1950 Half Dollar? If you did, you are in the right place! For those new to coin collecting, establishing value and grading coins might seem confusing for several reasons.
Numerous factors affect the value of a particular coin, such as its condition, mint mark, total mintage number, demand, and defects, among others. Therefore, the 1950 Half Dollar in lower grades can cost $9 to $11.
Unlike Lincoln Wheat Pennies, made of copper and even steel, the 1950 Half Dollar’s metal composition is 90% silver. It means that the coin is always worth at least its melt value, which depends on the current value of silver.
1950 Half Dollar Details
- Category: Franklin Half Dollars
- Mint: Philadelphia, Denver
- Total Mintage: 15,825,109
- Obverse/Reverse Designer: John R. Sinnock
- Composition: 90% Silver and 10% Copper
- Fineness:9
- Weight:5 grams (0.40188 troy ounces)
- ASW:3617oz
- Melt Value: $8.30
- Diameter:6mm (1.20512 inches)
- Edge: Reeded
- Thickness:8 mm (0.07087 inches)
The total mintage of the Half Dollars in 1950 was 15,825,109, which is relatively high. The coins were minted in Philadelphia and Denver. John R. Sinnock designed the coin, also the USA Mint’s Chief Engraver.
The coin’s design is exciting and features a bust or a face profile of the American polymath and Founding Father Benjamin Franklin, perhaps best known as co-writer of the American Declaration of Independence.
On the obverse, we can see Benjamin Franklin facing right, and above his head, the capitalized inscription “LIBERTY.” On the lower rim of the coin is the American motto, “IN GOD WE TRUST,” denoting that the countries’ economic and political prosperity was in the hands of GOD.
The coin’s date, “1950,” is struck on the right side of the coin. The reverse is a bit more packed than the obverse and features the cracked Liberty bell in the center of the coin. The Liberty Bell symbolizes freedom and justice, and in the early 17th century, abolitionists adopted it as the token of their never-ending battle to end slavery. On the left side of the Liberty Bell is the American motto, “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” meaning “Out of many, one.” Two dots surround the first letter of the motto “E.”
On the right side of the bell, we can see a small American Bold eagle with his wings outstretched. The
The American eagle is a well-known symbol of justice, freedom, and protection.
The mint mark is located on the reverse, above the Liberty Bell, and is very tiny. The designer’s initial JRS can be found on the obverse on the cutoff of Franklin’s shoulder.
1950 Half Dollar Value Chart |
|||||
| Mint Mark | Fine | Good | Extra Fine | MS 60 | MS 65 |
| 1950 Silver Dollar
No Mint Mark Value |
$8 | $10 | $11-$12 | $20 | $80-120 |
| 1950 D Silver Dollar Value | $8 | $9 | $12-$13 | $16-$20 | $150- $200 |
| 1950 Proof Half Dollar Value | / | / | / | $350-400 | $500-$600 |
1950 Half Dollar Value and Varieties Guide
As mentioned, the 1950 Half Dollar had a relatively high mintage, and finding these coins is not a challenging task, especially in lower grades. The average price for the 1950 Half Dollar ranges from $9 to $11 in a good state.
Specimens in higher grades, such as fine and extra fine, do not have a huge price difference compared to those in the average state- the 1950 Half Dollar in extra fine state costs around $12 to $14.
However, certain specimens with higher grades, such as MS 65 and above, can cost a small fortune.
1950 No Mint Mark Half Dollar Value
- Mint: Philadelphia
- Designer: John R. Sinnock
- Mintage: 7,742,123
- Composition: 90% and 10% copper
- Mass: 12.5 grams (0.40188 troy ounces)
- Face value: $0.50 (half a dollar)
- Diameter: 30.6mm (20512 inches)
- Shape: Round
- Edge: Reeded
- Mint Mark: /
Philadelphia Mint had the second largest mintage of the 1950 Half Dollar- 7,842,123. As noted, the 1950 No Mint Mark Half Dollar in average or good condition can cost from $8 to $11. There are plenty of these coins, which you can also find and purchase on eBay.
Pieces in extra fine condition might cost a dollar more, around $12, while those in about circulated condition cost $20. The 1950 Half Dollar in mint states can cost you from $30 to $300.
On the other hand, the rare specimens in MS 66 will cost you several thousand, ranging from $2,000 to $3,000. These coins can also have a grade-related designation called Full Bell Lines, often abbreviated as FBL.
This designation is used to describe the quality of horizontal lines banding the Liberty bell on the reverse. Coins with this designation and in a good state can be precious. 1950 No Mint Mark Half Dollar with FBL designation in MS 67 was sold for $18,000 at an auction.
However, another specimen with the same mint mark, designation, and mint state was sold for a jaw-dropping $39,000 in 2018, becoming the auction record price for the 1950 Half Dollar.
1950 D Half Dollar Value
- Mint: Denver
- Designer: John R. Sinnock
- Mintage: 8, 031,600
- Composition: 90% and 10% copper
- Mass: 12.5 grams (0.40188 troy ounces)
- Face value: $0.50 (half a dollar)
- Diameter: 30.6mm (20512 inches)
- Shape: Round
- Edge: Reeded
- Mint Mark: D
The Denver Mint had the highest mintage number in the series-8,031,600, meaning that these coins are easily accessible, especially in lower grades and average condition. Given the high mintage number, you can expect to pay around $8 to $10 for the 1950 D Half Dollar in fine condition.
In about circulated condition, these coins with a D mint mark are worth around $10. The 1950 D Half Dollar in uncirculated condition can cost around $16 or more.
The price range for the 1950 D Half Dollar in mint states can be between $27 and $300, depending on the condition. A specimen of such a coin in MS 63 was sold for only $30 at an auction.
As always, the rare specimen in MS 66 can reach the price of $800 or even more. If the coin has the FBL designation, the price drastically jumps. The auction record for the 1950 D Half Dollar with FBL and in MS 67 is $32,000.
1950 Proof Half Dollar Value
- Mint: Philadelphia
- Designer: John R. Sinnock
- Mintage: 51,386
- Composition: 90% and 10% copper
- Mass: 12.5 grams (0.40188 troy ounces)
- Face value: $0.50 (half a dollar)
- Diameter: 30.6mm (20512 inches)
- Shape: Round
- Edge: Reeded
- Mint Mark: /
In case you are not familiar with proof coins, they are the type of coins meant for archival purposes, checking the die, and representing the unique early samples of a particular coin. They usually have highly polished dies, visible details, and quality strikes, making them valuable and sought-after.
In addition, the number of proof coins is always drastically lesser than the mintage number of other series because they were not meant to circulate. That said, the total mintage of 1950 Proof Half Dollar is only 51,386.
The 1950 Proof Half Dollars were also minted at the Philadelphia and did not have a mint mark. If you want to acquire one of these rare pieces, prepare to set aside $300 to $3,000, depending on the condition. The Sheldon scale also grades these coins, which assigns grades from 1 to 70.
The proofs are usually preceded by the abbreviation PF or PR. The 1950 Proof No Mint Mark Half Dollar in higher grades can cost between $300 and $20,000. The same coin with a D mint mark in mint states can reach a price between $320 and $40,000.
The 1950 Proof Half Dollar auction record in PR 65 is $44,650.
1950 Half Dollar History
These coins were produced from 1948 to 1963, and they feature the face profile of Benjamin Franklin on the obverse, explaining why these coins are called Franklin Half Dollars.
The history behind the design creation and the minting process is fascinating. In 1947, Nellie Tayloe Ross, Franklin’s admirer, wanted to include his portrait in a coin’s design.
Ross instructed the engraver John R. Sinnock to come up with a design with Franklin’s image for the half dollar. The design was based on his previous work, and unfortunately, Sinnock died in 1947, leaving the US Mint with an incomplete design.
Further work on the coin’s design was done by Gilroy Roberts, who succeeded Sinnock. Interestingly, several designs were submitted, and Commission believed that the small eagle and the Liberty bell might cause dislike among the public.
Regardless of their opinion, the US mint accepted the design and, in 1948, started minting Franklin Half Dollars. Interestingly, during the same year the coins were released into circulation, the US Mint received complaints and accusations that the engraver’s initials were a tribute to the Soviet leader Joseph Stalin.
However, Stalin did not have a middle name. The mint responded to the complaints by saying those were the engraver’s initials. As noted, the coins were minted until 1963, when the Kennedy Half Dollar replaced it.
1950 Half Dollar Grading
The grading process tends to be very complex due to numerous grades, designations, and other factors that can boost or depreciate the value of a coin, such as a defect. Therefore, many people have trouble evaluating their coins and understanding how to do them correctly!
1950 Half Dollar Errors
The Franklin Half Dollar is not mainly known for numerous errors and defects. The most important factors for these coins are the condition, variety, and FBL designation. Let’s check out the defects found on the 1950 Franklin Half Dollars.
1. 1950 Half Dollar Re-punched Mint Mark Error
This type of error happens when the letter punch used for punching the mint mark onto the coin leaves two impressions, giving the doubling effect. Generally, coins with this error cost big bucks, especially if the coin is in a mint state.
The specimen with a D mint mark and in MS 64 with a re-punched mint mark error was sold for $90, which is a huge difference, considering that the same specimen without the error can cost up to $30.
2. 1950 Half Dollar Die Crack Error
The die crack error occurs when a die cracks during the minting process due to immense pressure or unequally applied force, resulting in a small gap in the die. The 1950 Half Dollars with this particular error are not very valuable.
Such a specimen can cost up to $30 or even more, depending on the grade.
1950 Half Dollar FAQ
What is the worth of a 1950 franklin half dollar?
The 1950 Franklin Half Dollar is made of silver (90%) and is always worth at least its weight in silver, which can fluctuate. These coins are common and easy to find, meaning they are not expensive and in demand. In average condition, they cost from $9 to $10.
What is unusual about the Franklin Half Dollar?
Compared to other coins and designs, the Franklin Half Dollar was the first to feature a real person who was not a president.
How can you tell if a Franklin Half Dollar is a full bell?
As mentioned, the FBL or Full Bell Lines is the designation assigned to coins in mint states. The coin is assigned with this designation when all the seven parallel lines on the bottom of the bell are separated, unbroken, complete, and easily distinguishable.
If you are still not sure whether your coin is FBL designated, click here.
What errors are on Franklin half dollars?
Interestingly, the Franklin Half Dollars do not have many defects. The usual ones include re-punched mint marks, off-center strikes, multiple strikes, and die cracks.
Keep in mind that these coins were minted from 1948 to 1963, and not all dates have all of these defects.
How can you tell if a Kennedy Half Dollar is rare?
The Kennedy Half Dollars are not particularly valuable in lower grades, and the value also depends on the mintage year. The specimens with higher grades, such as MS 66 and MS 67, are considered a rarity and, therefore, are very sought-after.
Furthermore, what makes the coin unique is also the presence of defects. The pieces with a D mint mark and double die error are the most attractive.