Price Guide for 1955 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: $14.00 – $88.00Uncirculated: $10.00 – $3,840.00
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eBayCirculated: $5.50 – $45.88Uncirculated: $7.50 – $5,040.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $14.00 – $19.00Uncirculated: $20.00 – $1,650.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $39.00 – $3,120.00
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eBayCirculated: $31.00 – $65.00Uncirculated: $15.50 – $759.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $24.00 – $26.00Uncirculated: $27.00 – $2,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $900.00Uncirculated: $18.00 – $14,100.00
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eBayUncirculated: $13.05 – $925.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $24.00 – $6,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $35.00 – $709.00
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eBayUncirculated: $30.01 – $1,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $36.00 – $7,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $46.00Uncirculated: $25.00 – $1,920.00
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eBayCirculated: $25.00 – $99.99Uncirculated: $23.00 – $2,300.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $16.00 – $30.00Uncirculated: $34.00 – $1,850.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $189.18 – $310.50Uncirculated: $1.00 – $3,680.00
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eBayUncirculated: $42.07 – $3,399.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $37.00 – $2,150.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $500.00 – $3,117.65Uncirculated: $150.00 – $43,200.00
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eBayUncirculated: $225.00 – $10,450.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $90.00 – $45,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1955 Half Dollar
The 1955 Franklin Half Dollar was part of the series that ran from 1948 to 1963. This coin series honored Benjamin Franklin, one of America’s founding fathers and a renowned polymath. The Franklin Half Dollar was the last circulating coin to feature an actual historical figure who was not a president of the United States.
| Weight | 12.5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.6 mm |
| Mint Marks | P (Philadelphia), D (Denver), S (San Francisco) |
| 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
Condition plays a crucial role in the value of 1955 Franklin Half Dollars. Circulated examples are relatively common, but uncirculated specimens in high grades (MS65 and above) are scarce and command significant premiums. For proof coins, the presence of cameo or deep cameo contrast can substantially increase value.
Key factors affecting condition include:
1. Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full bell lines on the reverse are highly desirable.
2. Luster: Original mint luster adds to the coin’s appeal and value.
3. Surface preservation: Coins free from contact marks, scratches, or other imperfections are more valuable.
Mintage: 2,498,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, popular with Franklin Half Dollar series collectors
Mintage: 2,789,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, slightly more common than Philadelphia mint
Mintage: 378,200
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Uncommon in grades PR67 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for cameo and deep cameo specimens
Several factors can influence the value of 1955 Franklin Half Dollars:
1. Silver content: As 90% silver coins, their intrinsic metal value provides a baseline.
2. Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance appeal and value, especially for proof issues.
3. Full Bell Lines (FBL): Coins with complete horizontal lines on the Liberty Bell are more valuable.
4. Cameo contrast: For proof coins, strong contrast between frosted devices and mirrored fields (cameo or deep cameo) significantly increases value.
5. Overall eye appeal: Subjective factors like overall appearance and visual attractiveness can impact collector demand.
While not a key date, the 1955 Franklin Half Dollar is part of a popular series, and high-grade examples or those with exceptional eye appeal can command strong premiums in the numismatic market.
