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- Product ID: 46317
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Designing a dime, right before World War II, the Mint Engraver, John R. Sinnock, already had a Franklin design ready to go when he was asked to create the new half dollar. Although Franklin himself despised portraits on US coins, the Mint Director promised he was only referring to royalty portraits and he would be honored to be featured on the coin. Franklin has been quoted saying he would rather a proverb be featured so collectors can have something to ponder while holding the coin.Along with disagreeing with portraits on coins, Franklin also disagreed with the Bald Eagle being the national bird. He claimed among numismatist lore, that the eagle was only viewed as a scavenger. Being the logical man he was, Franklin offered the wild turkey to stand as the nation's brave bird. Obviously, he didn't get too far with that idea and the eagle accompanies the Liberty Bell on the reverse of every Franklin Half Dollar. Benjamin Franklin, distinctly recognizable, is featured prominently on the obverse, with the coin's date of mintage also present.
The obverse features the balding Founding Father, complete with his round head and reading spectacles. The reverse depicts an aging Liberty Bell, with the coin's legal tender value, which wasn't approved by the Commission of Fine Arts, in fear of being ridiculed. The 1958-D Franklin Half Dollar is in almost uncirculated condition. The Denver Mint produced over 23 million of these coins, lending to their accessibility and lower premiums.