Proof Franklin Half Dollar 1960

In 1960, a little over 1.6 million Proof Franklin Half Dollars were minted and by 1963, over 3 million were circulating collectors' portfolios. The Proof Franklin Half Dollars were minted from 1950-1963 and were a part of the Proof Set series. Although the San Francisco Mint is known for its production of proof coins, only the Philadelphia Mint took part in the minting of the Proof Franklin Half Dollars. In the first few years of mintage, the Proof Franklin Half Dollars had very low mintages, since it was unknown how they would be received by the public. With each passing year, the Philadelphia Mint slowly added more and more to the series. But even the most minted Proof is still considered lower mintage than the BU counterparts.

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. The Franklin Half Dollar was minted from 1948-1963, with pretty heft mintages each year. 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.

• Denomination: N/A
• Year: 1960
• Diameter: N/A
• Mint Mark: N/A
• Thickness: N/A
• Grade: Ungraded