The 1962 Franklin Half Dollar, struck between 1948 and 1963, pays homage to Benjamin Franklin, a key figure in U.S. history. The coin’s historical significance and unique features make it a sought-after collectible.
1962 Franklin Half Dollar Value Chart
| Mint Mark | Extremely Fine | Uncirculated MS60 | Choice Uncirculated MS63 | Gem Uncirculated MS65 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No Mint | $16 | $20 | $26 | $80 |
| D Mint | $16 | $20 | $26 | $60 |
Grading the 1962 Franklin Half Dollar
Professional grading, such as that offered by the NGC, ensures accurate coin evaluation. Uncirculated coins hold more value than circulated ones, emphasizing the importance of precise grading.
| Grade Number | Grade Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Basal State-1 |
| 2 | Fair |
| 3 | Very Fair |
| 4, 5, 6 | Good |
| 7, 8, 10 | Very Good |
| 12, 15 | Fine |
| 20, 30 | Very Fine |
| 40 | Extremely Fine |
| 50 | About Uncirculated |
| 60, 65, 70 | Mint State |
1962 No Mint Mark Half Dollar: Value and Features
Produced at the Philadelphia Mint with a mintage of 9,714,000, the No Mint Mark Franklin Half Dollar remains one of the more common varieties.
Historical Context
The coin’s creation dates back to 1947 when Mint Director Nellie Tayloe Ross, an admirer of Franklin, pushed for his image to appear on U.S. currency. Chief Engraver John R. Sinnock initiated the design, but after his death, Gilroy Roberts completed it. Despite criticism regarding the cracked Liberty Bell design, the coin was released and circulated until 1963 when it was replaced by the Kennedy Half Dollar.
Design Details
Obverse: Depicts Benjamin Franklin facing right, with “LIBERTY” at the top and “IN GOD WE TRUST” at the bottom.
Reverse: Features the Liberty Bell with a visible crack, a small eagle, and inscriptions, including “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”
Edge: The coin has a reeded edge with 150 fine grooves.
Composition: Made of 90% silver and 10% copper, weighing 12.5 g with a diameter of 30.6 mm.
Value: Extremely Fine coins are valued at $16, while uncirculated coins range from $20 to $80, depending on grade.
Record Sale
A 1962 Regular Strike No Mint Mark Franklin Half Dollar graded MS-61 was auctioned for $5,463 in 2010.
1962 D Mint Half Dollar: Value and Features
The Denver Mint struck 35,473,281 Franklin Half Dollars in 1962, making it the series’ highest mintage. Unlike Philadelphia, Denver coins had no proof sets and were primarily for circulation.
Value: Similar to the No Mint Mark variant, Extremely Fine coins are worth $16, while MS-65 grades can reach $60. The record sale was $6,463 for an MS-65 in 2014.
1962 Proof Franklin Half Dollar Value
With the highest proof mintage of 3,218,019, finding a standard 1962 Proof Half Dollar is relatively easy. Cameo and deep cameo variants are rarer and more valuable.
Value: Standard Proof coins average $32, while rare deep cameo specimens can fetch up to $9,200.
Notable Errors and Their Value
Errors can significantly increase the coin’s value. Here are some prominent errors found on the 1962 Franklin Half Dollar:
1. Bugs Bunny Error: Caused by the eagle’s imprint appearing near Franklin’s mouth, resembling buck teeth. A 2022 sale reached $111.
2. Struck on 25c Planchet Error: A Franklin coin struck on a quarter planchet sold for $1,575 in 2016.
3. Proof D-On-Bell Error: A misplaced D mint mark on the Liberty Bell. An example sold for $1,899.
Where to Sell the 1962 Franklin Half Dollar
Finding a reliable buyer is crucial. Check online platforms or local coin dealers for appraisals and sales.
1962 Franklin Half Dollar FAQs
Are full bell lines crucial for coin value?
Yes, full bell lines (FBL) on the reverse increase value, indicating a sharp strike with no wear.
How can I identify the Bugs Bunny error?
Use a magnifying glass to check around Franklin’s mouth for buck tooth-like marks from the eagle’s imprint.
Why are Proof coins more valuable?
Proof coins have a mirror-like finish and are struck with greater detail, making them more appealing to collectors.
How do I differentiate cameo from deep cameo?
Cameo proofs have a frosted design on a mirror-like field, while deep cameos have an even more pronounced contrast.
Are D mint mark coins rarer than no mint mark?
No, Denver struck more coins than Philadelphia in 1962, making D mint coins slightly more common.