Proof Franklin Half Dollar 1962

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 1962, the Philadelphia Mint produced over 3 million Proof Franklin Dollars and is another coin that is in high demand.

There is a law that unless the US Mint took congressional action, then a coin must be in service for 25 years before being replaced. Since the Walking Liberty Half Dollar served longer than 25 years, the Mint Director didn't need permission to move onto a new design. The design she chose was of Benjamin Franklin, which was originally going to be used on a dime in 1941. The Mint Engraver, John R. Sinnock, designed this dime 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, and is an ideal series for beginning collectors. Since the Franklin Half Dollars contain large mintages, there isn't much numismatic value in the series. Franklins are mainly wanted for their 90% silver content, which is a slowly dying breed in the coin market. Investors have also joined in the 90% craze and can't get enough of the half dollars. 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.

• Denomination: N/A
• Year: 1962
• Diameter: N/A
• Mint Mark: N/A
• Thickness: N/A
• Grade: Ungraded