1956 Franklin Half Dollar

One of the most highly regarded silver coins produced by the U.S. Mint; the Franklin Half Dollar portrays the profile of Founding Father Benjamin Franklin along with the symbolic Liberty Bell and an eagle. These fifty-cent pieces were minted over a 15 year period, and ceased being produced in 1963.

Many of the Franklin Half Dollars available today will show visible signs of their respective age. Given the coin’s age, however, this is not surprising. Collectors and coin enthusiasts can, however, also find Franklin Half Dollars in brilliant, uncirculated condition. Coins in this condition may carry significantly higher premiums than coins with lower grades.

Grading the 1956 Franklin Half Dollar

Coins that have been graded may carry significantly higher premiums than non-graded coins. The grading process is extremely thorough and often follows a set of specific steps to determine a coin’s overall condition, authenticity and precious metals content. An expert grader, or team of graders, however, will make the final determination on how a coin will be graded. Coins that are in excellent condition can be considerably more valuable than coins in lesser condition. You can get a good idea of what grade your coin may be assigned by closely inspecting the coin’s details and surfaces while looking for any blemishes or imperfections.

Use the specifications below to determine how your Franklin Half Dollar coin might be graded.

Uncirculated: Coins that are in uncirculated condition will display no signs of wear or tear. These coins will look brand new, as if they were just struck hours before. The coin’s images and text will be rich and robust, with even the smaller details being noticeable. The texture of the coin will be as intended since these coins have not exchanged hands over the years. The coin’s color or luster can, however, show signs of the coin’s age. By using a magnifying glass to examine the Liberty Bell’s detail on the reverse, for example, you will be able to see if the details are in excellent condition or if they have experienced any erosion or wear.

Extremely Fine: Coins that are in extremely fine condition are very beautiful and considered to be in excellent condition. A step below the uncirculated grade, these coins may exhibit some small surface imperfections like scratches or dents. Small details on the coin’s surfaces may appear slightly worn down or eroded. The coin’s texture may also feel smoother from the wear and tear it has experienced being traded over the years.

Fine: Another rung down on the coin grading ladder, coins in fine condition still have their details intact, but there may be significant damage present and visible to the naked eye. The coin may show considerable wear, and its details may also appear to be worn down from use. The coin may also lack any shine, and may even appear quite dull.

Good: Moving on down the grading scale, coins that are in good condition may have significant damage to the coin’s surfaces. This damage can even make it difficult to discern the coin’s identity and details without the use of a magnifying glass or microscope. Although these coins may show their age and may appear dull, scratched or even nearly rubbed free from detail, they may still be highly valuable and coveted by collectors depending on coin type, mintage and other factors.