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Quite a departure from the overproduction of the Franklin Half Dollars, the Proof counterparts contain alluringly low mintages. The Philadelphia Mint began producing the Proof Set series, minting Franklin Half Dollars for a part of the set. The Proof Franklins were minted from 1950-1963, only by the Philadelphia Mint, and thus, carry no mint-mark. The 1951 Proof Franklin Half Dollar was only produced 57,500 times and carries a high premium. For experienced collectors, the Proof Franklin Half Dollars are ideal due to their high numismatic value and 90% silver content.
The Franklin Half Dollar's design was inspired by a previous design that never saw production. The Mint Engraver, John R. Sinnock, designed a dime, right before World War II, that never was produced and wouldn't be taken out until the new Franklin Half Dollar would be released. 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.
