1955 "Bugs Bunny" Franklin Silver Half-Dollar (ANACS MS 63)

Grade: ANACS Mint State 63

Denomination: Fifty Cents

Type: Franklin Half Dollar (1948 - 1963)

Year: 1955

Mint: Philadelphia

Designer: John R. Sinnock / John Frederick Lewis

Weight: 12.50 grams

Diameter: 30.00 millimeters

Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper

Edge: Reeded

In 1948, John R. Sinnock, chief engraver of the Philadelphia Mint, produced a new design for the half dollar, to replace the Liberty Walking motif, which had been in use since 1916. The Franklin half dollar depicts a head and shoulders portrait of Franklin on the obverse, facing right, with LIBERTY above and IN GOD WE TRUST below. The date is to the right. The reverse depicts the Liberty Bell with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA above and HALF DOLLAR below. The motto E PLURIBUS UNUM is to the left while a small eagle is to the right, fulfilling the requirement of the Coinage Act of 1792 that an eagle appear on the reverse of all silver coins (that requirement was relaxed somewhat in 1837, when the half dime and dime were exempted.)

At the time of issue, the design was criticized by many, perhaps because it is rather plain in comparison to the “classic” Liberty Walking style. However, in recent years Franklin half dollars have emerged as popular pieces, and today are highly desired by numismatists.

Please see photos for details.

Due to the uniqueness of each item, please refer to the photos provided in this auction. We offer high resolution images of each item rather than a written description of condition.

This item is being shipped from the Pristine Auction warehouse.