Price Guide for 1953 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: $14.01 – $1,000.00Uncirculated: $15.00 – $4,080.00
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eBayCirculated: $8.59 – $27.00Uncirculated: $6.50 – $1,198.40
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $15.00 – $22.00Uncirculated: $24.00 – $4,350.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $13.00 – $45.15Uncirculated: $7.00 – $17,250.00
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eBayCirculated: $5.99 – $40.88Uncirculated: $9.99 – $3,535.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $15.00 – $20.00Uncirculated: $21.00 – $3,600.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $36.00 – $300.00Uncirculated: $21.00 – $9,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $70.00 – $143.53Uncirculated: $40.05 – $4,050.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $38.00 – $70.00Uncirculated: $90.00 – $10,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $14.56 – $2,255.00Uncirculated: $7.00 – $6,000.00
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eBayCirculated: $12.95 – $158.00Uncirculated: $12.00 – $2,995.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $15.00 – $28.00Uncirculated: $32.00 – $3,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,588.00 – $69,000.00
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eBayUncirculated: $33.00 – $22,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $400.00 – $60,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $140.00 – $900.00Uncirculated: $8.00 – $30,550.00
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eBayUncirculated: $9.50 – $899.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $25.00 – $16,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $30.00 – $19,200.00
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eBayUncirculated: $25.00 – $11,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $30.00 – $5,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $55.00 – $90.00
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eBayUncirculated: $189.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $27.00 – $32.00Uncirculated: $42.00 – $125.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $135.13 – $480.00
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eBayUncirculated: $275.00 – $450.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $175.00 – $1,850.00
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eBayCirculated: $127.50Uncirculated: $21.04 – $1,725.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $20.00 – $35.00Uncirculated: $40.00 – $3,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $70.00 – $230.00
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eBayUncirculated: $72.00 – $3,150.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $50.00 – $2,850.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $282.00
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eBayUncirculated: $21.50 – $2,650.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $62.00 – $88.00Uncirculated: $150.00 – $1,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $255.00 – $630.00
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eBayUncirculated: $170.00 – $3,149.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $200.00 – $1,350.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $69.00 – $174.00
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eBayCirculated: $18.09 – $159.00Uncirculated: $20.50 – $199.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $15.00 – $35.00Uncirculated: $37.00 – $450.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $40.00 – $336.00
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eBayUncirculated: $40.00 – $2,050.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $40.00 – $1,150.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $108.90 – $444.00
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eBayCirculated: $35.00Uncirculated: $95.00 – $1,050.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $10.00 – $55.00Uncirculated: $60.00 – $2,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $79.00 – $705.00
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eBayUncirculated: $78.77 – $600.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $15.00 – $55.00Uncirculated: $70.00 – $750.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $250.00 – $4,887.50Uncirculated: $50.00 – $12,000.00
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eBayUncirculated: $74.00 – $3,600.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $100.00 – $4,250.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $7,285.00Uncirculated: $161.00 – $63,250.00
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eBayUncirculated: $380.00 – $10,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $110.00 – $38,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1953 Half Dollar
The 1953 Franklin Half Dollar was part of the series minted from 1948 to 1963. This coin represents a significant period in American numismatics, as it was one of the last circulating silver half dollars before the transition to clad composition in 1965. The Franklin Half Dollar series was relatively short-lived, making it an interesting focus for collectors.
| Weight | 12.5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.6 mm |
| Mint Marks | D, S |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Portrait of Benjamin Franklin, designed by John R. Sinnock |
| Reverse Design | Liberty Bell, designed by John R. Sinnock |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of a 1953 Franklin Half Dollar significantly impacts its value. Circulated examples are relatively common and are often valued primarily for their silver content. However, uncirculated specimens, particularly those grading MS65 or higher, can command substantial premiums.
For the proof coins from San Francisco, the presence of cameo or deep cameo contrast can greatly enhance value. These coins with strong contrast between frosty devices and mirrored fields are highly sought after by collectors.
Mintage: 2,796,720
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: 20,900,400
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Uncommon in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, with higher demand for high-grade examples
Mintage: 128,800
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades PR67 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for cameo and deep cameo examples
Full Bell Lines (FBL) is a crucial factor in determining the value of Franklin Half Dollars. Coins with clear, unbroken horizontal lines on the bottom of the Liberty Bell on the reverse are more valuable due to their superior strike quality.
Toning can also play a role in a coin’s desirability. Natural, attractive toning can enhance a coin’s appeal and value, particularly for proof issues.
Lastly, the overall eye appeal of the coin, including its luster and the quality of its surfaces, can significantly influence its value beyond just the technical grade.
