Proof Franklin Half Dollar 1955

With much lower mintages and a pristine mirror-like finish, the Proof Franklin Half Dollars are considered to have more numismatic value than their brilliant uncirculated counterparts. The Philadelphia Mint was the only mint to produce the Proof Sets, which contained the Proof Franklin Half. With an unclear picture of how the public was going to receive the new proof sets, the mint decided to keep the mintages low and only increase if the popularity increases. From 1950-1963, the mintages increased from 51,386 to over 3 million. In 1955, the Philadelphia Mint produced 378,200 Proof Franklin Dollars and is another coin that is in high demand.

Even though Franklin, himself, was quoted for disagreeing with the idea of having a portrait on US currency, his portrait still appeared. 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. The obverse features the Founding Father, who in his hay day was more than just a politician and a scientist. Franklin's other careers were an inventory, political theorist, author, printer, freemason, postmaster, and civic activist. In a very small design, the eagle is represented on the reverse, as well as the cracked Liberty bell.

• Denomination: N/A
• Year: 1955
• Diameter: N/A
• Mint Mark: N/A
• Thickness: N/A
• Grade: Ungraded