Price Guide for 1959 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 – $1,637.00Uncirculated: $10.00 – $5,060.00
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eBayCirculated: $12.50 – $121.50Uncirculated: $6.50 – $3,499.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $15.00 – $18.00Uncirculated: $20.00 – $3,700.00

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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $10.00Uncirculated: $8.00 – $978.00
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eBayCirculated: $25.00 – $599.00Uncirculated: $5.99 – $1,424.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $12.00 – $14.00Uncirculated: $17.00 – $750.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $11.00 – $7,590.00Uncirculated: $7.00 – $2,160.00
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eBayCirculated: $8.50 – $32.00Uncirculated: $10.00 – $850.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $15.00 – $18.00Uncirculated: $20.00 – $1,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $150.00Uncirculated: $7.00 – $9,693.75
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eBayUncirculated: $10.00 – $1,076.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $20.00 – $27,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $14.00 – $18,250.00
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eBayUncirculated: $12.91 – $5,169.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $22.00 – $25,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $74.00 – $168.00
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eBayUncirculated: $18.50 – $461.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $15.00 – $45.00Uncirculated: $50.00 – $600.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $52.00 – $320.00
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eBayUncirculated: $100.05 – $2,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $75.00 – $4,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $40.00 – $336.00
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eBayUncirculated: $25.00 – $463.88
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $19.00 – $20.00Uncirculated: $21.00 – $450.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $74.00 – $372.00
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eBayUncirculated: $51.05 – $2,992.49
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $35.00 – $3,150.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $99.00 – $504.00
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eBayCirculated: $118.00 – $119.00Uncirculated: $63.80 – $789.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $110.00 – $130.00Uncirculated: $135.00 – $450.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $192.00 – $646.25
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eBayUncirculated: $75.00 – $1,127.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $210.00 – $650.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $14.00 – $15,862.50
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eBayCirculated: $32.99 – $55.99Uncirculated: $18.00 – $2,950.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $18.00 – $12,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $9,487.50Uncirculated: $1,800.00 – $22,800.00
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eBayUncirculated: $5,755.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $475.00 – $50,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1959 Half Dollar
The 1959 Franklin Half Dollar was part of the series that ran from 1948 to 1963. This coin was minted during a period of significant economic growth in the United States, known as the post-war boom. The Franklin Half Dollar design was chosen to honor Benjamin Franklin, one of America’s founding fathers, and his contributions to the nation.
Weight | 12.5 grams |
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Diameter | 30.6 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
The condition of 1959 Franklin Half Dollars significantly impacts their value. Circulated examples are common and generally trade for little more than their silver content. However, uncirculated specimens in MS63 and above can command substantial premiums.
For circulation strikes, coins with full bell lines (FBL) on the reverse are highly sought after and can be worth significantly more. The presence of original luster and absence of contact marks are crucial for higher grades.
Mintage: 6,200,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, primarily for high-grade specimens
Mintage: 13,053,750
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved examples
Mintage: 1,149,291
Rarity Scale: Common for proofs
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Uncommon in PR67 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for cameo and deep cameo examples
Toning can play a significant role in the value of 1959 Franklin Half Dollars. Coins with attractive, natural toning patterns are often more desirable to collectors and can command higher premiums.
For proof issues, cameo and deep cameo contrast between the frosted devices and mirrored fields can significantly increase value. The 1959 proofs were not intentionally made with cameo contrast, making such examples particularly rare and valuable.
While not typically considered a key date, high-grade examples of the 1959 Franklin Half Dollar are becoming increasingly scarce, particularly in grades MS66 and above, which can lead to increased demand and value for well-preserved specimens.