The value of a 1951 Franklin Half Dollar depends on several factors, including its condition (grade), mint mark, and whether it has any rare errors.
- Circulated Condition:
– In average circulated condition, a 1951 Franklin Half Dollar is worth around its melt value, which is based on its 90% silver content. As of August 11, 2025, the melt value is approximately $13.65 for a Philadelphia minted coin and $13.63 for a San Francisco minted coin.
– Circulated coins are generally valued between $14 and $17.25, depending on their grade (Fine, Very Fine, Extremely Fine).
- Uncirculated Condition:
– Uncirculated 1951 Franklin Half Dollars can be worth significantly more, with prices increasing with higher grades.
– For example, an Uncirculated (BU) 1951 Franklin Half Dollar is available from APMEX for $31.
– In Mint State condition (MS-63), the value can reach approximately $35.
– Higher grades like MS-66 can fetch values of $170.
– In pristine, uncirculated condition, some 1951 half dollars can sell for as much as $3250.
- The 1951 Franklin Half Dollar was minted in Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S).
- The Denver (D) minted coin had a lower mintage than the other mints and may be considered slightly more sought after by some collectors, potentially leading to slightly higher values, especially in higher grades.
- “Bugs Bunny” Teeth: Some 1951 Franklin Half Dollars exhibit a die clash error that creates the illusion of buck teeth on Benjamin Franklin’s portrait, [according to YouTube] . This error, while not extremely rare, can add to the coin’s desirability for collectors.
- Doubled Die Reverse: Proof coins from 1951 can exhibit a doubled die reverse, where the lettering on the Liberty Bell and the eagle’s features appear doubled.
- Philadelphia Mint (no mint mark):
– VG (Very Good): $14.75
– XF (Extra Fine): $15.25
– MS-63: $27.50
– MS-65: $80
– MS-67: $3250
- Denver Mint (D):
– VG (Very Good): $15
– XF (Extra Fine): $13.50
– MS-63: $45
– MS-65: $175
– MS-66: $975
- San Francisco Mint (S):
– VG (Very Good): $14.75
– XF (Extra Fine): $13.50
– MS-63: $50
– MS-65: $105
– MS-67: $2250
- Proof Coins (Philadelphia Mint):
– PR66 (Proof 66): $840
In summary, a 1951 Franklin Half Dollar’s value can range from its silver melt value (approximately $13.63 – $13.65 as of August 11, 2025) for circulated coins to thousands of dollars for rare uncirculated examples with specific grades or errors. To determine the precise value of a specific coin, it’s essential to assess its condition and identify any mint marks or notable errors.
What makes a 1951 half dollar rare?
I can help with that. The second Proof issue of its type, the 1951 was produced to the extent of 57,500 pieces. After only the first year 1950, this issue is the rarest in the Proof Franklin half dollar series.
How much silver is in a 1951 half dollar?
From my experience, Struck in 90% silver, the Franklin half dollars of 1948-63 feature only the fourth real person to be depicted on a regular-issue U.S. coin – following Presidents Lincoln (cent), Washington (quarter) and Franklin D. Roosevelt (dime).