1959 Benjamin Franklin Silver Half Dollar

This is a United States half dollar coin featuring the profile of Benjamin Franklin on the obverse, dated 1959. The coin is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, with a diameter of 30.6 millimeters and a reeded edge. The obverse depicts Franklin facing right with the word 'LIBERTY' inscribed above, 'IN GOD WE TRUST' below, and the 1959 mintage date to the right of the bust. The coin is housed in a modern clear plastic protective capsule with a black foam ring insert. In terms of condition, the coin shows moderate signs of circulation and age-related wear. There are visible surface scratches known as 'bag marks' across the fields and on the high points of Franklin's cheek and hair. A natural greyish-silver patina is present, with some darker toning beginning to appear around the outer edges of the rim. The strike appears to be standard for the period, with moderate detail remaining in the hair transitions. No specific mint marks are visible on the obverse as they are located on the reverse above the Liberty Bell; however, Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mints produced this series. This piece represents the late-mid period of the Franklin series, which ran from 1948 until 1963 before being replaced by the Kennedy Half Dollar.