Price Guide for 1948 Half Dollar Variants
This guide presents price ranges for variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $13.00 – $64.00Uncirculated: $9.00 – $719.00
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eBayCirculated: $11.00 – $54.00Uncirculated: $11.10 – $770.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $14.00 – $25.00Uncirculated: $25.00 – $450.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $10.00 – $2,415.00Uncirculated: $14.00 – $10,350.00
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eBayCirculated: $5.50 – $100.99Uncirculated: $11.11 – $2,010.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $2.00 – $27.00Uncirculated: $26.00 – $650.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $250.00 – $460.00Uncirculated: $14.00 – $28,750.00
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eBayCirculated: $17.00Uncirculated: $14.38 – $3,520.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $30.00 – $35,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $46.00 – $1,300.00Uncirculated: $7.00 – $19,975.00
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eBayCirculated: $25.00Uncirculated: $10.00 – $1,005.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $26.00 – $45,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $20.50Uncirculated: $31.00 – $200.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $24.00 – $30.00Uncirculated: $34.00 – $150.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $52.00 – $646.25
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eBayUncirculated: $53.52 – $8,549.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $36.00 – $700.00
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eBayUncirculated: $26.88 – $155.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $24.00 – $70.00Uncirculated: $75.00 – $225.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $69.00 – $176.25
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eBayUncirculated: $55.00 – $2,550.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $110.00 – $3,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $4,817.50
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eBayCirculated: $290.00Uncirculated: $33.88 – $81.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $19.00 – $37.00Uncirculated: $42.00 – $3,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $63.00 – $11,162.50
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eBayUncirculated: $62.95 – $4,950.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $48.00 – $15,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1948 Half Dollar
The 1948 Half Dollar marked the third year of production for the Franklin Half Dollar series, which replaced the Walking Liberty design. This coin represents a significant transition in American coinage, as it was the first time a non-president was featured on a circulating US coin without congressional authorization.
The obverse depicts Benjamin Franklin, one of America’s founding fathers, while the reverse features the Liberty Bell, symbolizing American independence. The small eagle on the reverse was added to comply with the legal requirement of an eagle on silver coins over ten cents in value.
| Weight | 12.50 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.61 mm |
| Mint Marks | D, S |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Walking Liberty, designed by Adolph A. Weinman |
| Reverse Design | Bald eagle perched on a rock, designed by John R. Sinnock |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1948 Half Dollars significantly impacts their value. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) are considerably more valuable than circulated examples. The strike quality is particularly important for this issue, as many 1948 Half Dollars were weakly struck, especially on Franklin’s hair and the Liberty Bell’s details.
Full Bell Lines (FBL) on the reverse are highly prized by collectors and can substantially increase the coin’s value. Coins with original luster and minimal contact marks are also more desirable. Toning, if attractive and natural, can enhance the coin’s appeal and value.
Mintage: 3,006,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 4,028,600
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, typical for the series
Mintage: 4,028,600
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, typical for the series
Mintage figures for all three mints in 1948 were relatively low compared to later years in the series, making this year somewhat more desirable to collectors. The Philadelphia issue, with the lowest mintage, is particularly sought after in higher grades.
While not considered a key date, the 1948 Half Dollar is still an important early issue in the Franklin series. High-grade examples (MS65 and above) are scarce and command significant premiums, especially with Full Bell Lines.
Collectors should be aware of cleaned or altered coins, which are less valuable than original, untouched specimens. Additionally, the silver content of these coins provides a base value, which can fluctuate with precious metal prices.
