Price Guide for 1957 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: $12.00 – $38.00Uncirculated: $9.00 – $2,760.00
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eBayCirculated: $4.99 – $1,300.00Uncirculated: $7.50 – $4,750.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $15.00 – $18.00Uncirculated: $20.00 – $1,550.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $16.00 – $700.00Uncirculated: $8.00 – $1,880.00
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eBayCirculated: $8.99 – $213.50Uncirculated: $9.99 – $1,756.20
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $15.00 – $18.00Uncirculated: $20.00 – $2,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7.00 – $920.00
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eBayCirculated: $10.50 – $124.99Uncirculated: $8.50 – $2,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $12.00 – $17.00Uncirculated: $19.00 – $460.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $110.00 – $800.00Uncirculated: $8.00 – $6,463.00
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eBayUncirculated: $11.02 – $7,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $20.00 – $45,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $29.38 – $109.00
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eBayUncirculated: $24.50 – $435.60
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $22.00 – $90.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $14.00 – $6,325.00
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eBayUncirculated: $11.50 – $2,114.70
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $20.00 – $7,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $111.63 – $115.00
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eBayUncirculated: $70.66 – $547.20
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $55.00 – $950.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $310.50Uncirculated: $25.00 – $3,407.50
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eBayUncirculated: $30.00 – $2,515.80
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $20.00 – $1,650.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $76.00 – $37,600.00
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eBayUncirculated: $94.99 – $1,899.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $60.00 – $38,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $242.00 – $517.00
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eBayUncirculated: $520.00 – $2,499.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $350.00 – $800.00
Design and Specifications of the 1957 Half Dollar
The 1957 Franklin Half Dollar was part of the series minted from 1948 to 1963. This coin honors Benjamin Franklin, one of America’s founding fathers and a renowned polymath. The Franklin Half Dollar series was relatively short-lived, making way for the Kennedy Half Dollar in 1964 following President Kennedy’s assassination.
The year 1957 saw continued economic growth in the United States, and these coins played an important role in everyday commerce. The silver content of these coins also made them valuable for their intrinsic metal worth.
| Weight | 12.50 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.61 mm |
| Mint Marks | D, P (no mint mark) |
| 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 determining the value of 1957 Franklin Half Dollars. While common in circulated grades, these coins become increasingly valuable in higher mint state conditions. Coins graded MS65 and above are scarce and command significant premiums.
For circulation strikes, look for coins with full bell lines (FBL) on the reverse, as these are more desirable to collectors. The presence of original luster and minimal contact marks greatly enhances value. For proof coins, cameo and deep cameo contrasts between the fields and devices are highly prized.
Mintage: 6,024,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, primarily driven by silver content and type collectors
Mintage: 19,966,850
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, primarily driven by silver content and type collectors
Mintage: 1,247,952
Rarity Scale: Common for proofs
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades PR67 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, popular among proof set collectors
Silver content is a significant factor in the base value of 1957 Franklin Half Dollars, as they contain 0.36169 ounces of pure silver. This makes them valuable even in lower grades.
Toning can greatly impact desirability. Coins with attractive, natural toning patterns are often sought after by collectors and can command premiums. However, unattractive or artificial toning can decrease value.
While not particularly rare, high-grade examples with strong eye appeal are always in demand among collectors building high-quality sets. The Franklin Half Dollar series has a dedicated following, which helps maintain steady market interest in well-preserved specimens.
