The US Mint struck Franklin half dollars from 1948 to 1963, making this series one of the shorter-lived in the 20th century. Completing it is an uncomplicated task for any collector since these coins are available, affordable, and without rare specimens. Therefore, you can expect that the 1960 Franklin half dollar value is relatively low, except for a few pieces in almost perfect condition.
On the other hand, even coins in a horrible state will be worth something, thanks to silver content. In fact, it is your only option with such a specimen since collectors prefer the best pieces, and they can find them everywhere.
1960 Franklin Half Dollar History
Unlike most American coins, the 1960 Franklin half dollar contains neither imaginary character nor President on the obverse. The central figure is one of the Founding Fathers, Benjamin Franklin.
1960 Franklin half dollar |
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| Location | Year | Minted |
| Philadelphia | 1960 | 6,024,000 |
| Philadelphia | 1960 proof | 1,691,602 |
| Denver | 1960 D | 18,215,812 |
| Total | / | 25,931,414 |
Chief Engraver John Sinnock created the Franklin half dollar design in 1948. He based his coin obverse based on the Benjamin Franklin bust created by Jean Antoine Houdon. Since the engraver passed away before completing the coin design, Gilroy Roberts finished a few remaining elements.
1960 Franklin half dollar |
|
| Face value | $0.50 (50 cents) |
| Compound | 0.900 Silver with copper |
| Coin weight | 0.40188 troy ounces (12.5 g) |
| Silver weight | 0.36169 troy ounces (11.25 g) |
| Coin diameter | 1.20512Â inches (30.61 mm) |
| Coin thickness | 0.07087 inches (1.8 mm) |
| Shape | Round |
| Edge | Reeded |
You can see inscriptions LIBERTY and IN GOD WE TRUST along the coin rim and the date on the right coin side. The reverse is a bit more complicated with the iconic cracked Liberty Bell placed in the center.
A small bald eagle is on its right side, while the left side is reserved for the Latin motto E PLURIBUS UNUM. You can also read the words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and HALF DOLLAR along the coin rim.
As always, coins produced in Denver have a tiny letter D. In this case, it is placed below the letter E on the word STATES.
1960 Franklin Half Dollar Types
1960 Franklin half dollar
The value of 1960 Franklin half dollars produced in Philadelphia is approximately $11 to $110, depending primarily on their conditions. On the other hand, pieces with an MS 67 rating can reach $3,100 to $4,000 at auctions.
1960 Franklin half dollar value |
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| Quality | 1960 | 1960 D |
| Good | $11.8 | $11.8 |
| Very good | $11.8 | $11.8 |
| Fine | $11.8 | $11.8 |
| Very fine | $11.8 | $11.8 |
| Extra fine | $13 | $13 |
| AU | $14 | $14 |
| MS 60 | $15 | $15 |
| MS 65 | $116 | $231 |
| Proof 65 | $23 | / |
(USA Coin book)
Only rare coins among 6,024,000 pieces struck that year are with Full Bell Lines. They can be expensive, and one 1960 MS 67 FL Franklin half dollar reached an impressive $28,200 at HERITAGE AUCTIONS in 2016.
1960 proof Franklin half dollar
Besides regular coins, the Philadelphia mint produced an impressive number of 1,691,602 proofs in 1960. That is a reason for their relatively low price. You can purchase a lovely piece in the mint state for only $17 to $80.
1960 proof Franklin half dollar value |
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| Quality | 1960 proof | 1960 proof CAM | 1960 proof DCAM |
| PR 60 | $17 to $20.4 | / | / |
| PR 61 | $17 to $20.4 | / | / |
| PR 62 | $17 to $20.4 | / | / |
| PR 63 | $18 to $21.6 | $20 to $24 | / |
| PR 64 | $19 to $22.8 | $24 to $28.8 | / |
| PR 65 | $20 to $24 | $30 to $36 | $75 to $90 |
| PR 66 | $22 to $26.4 | $45 to $55 | $95 to $114 |
| PR 67 | $30 to $40 | $65 to $78 | $210 to $250 |
| PR 68 | $65 to $78 | $160 to $184 | $800 to $1,000 |
| PR 69 | $500 to $575 | $1,000 to $1,200 | $12,000 to $13,800 |
(Greysheet)
Only almost perfect specimens with a PR 69 rating can reach $500 to $575. The most expensive is still one 1960 PR 69 Franklin half dollar paid a fantastic $27,600 at auction in 2008.
1960 D Franklin half dollar
The Denver mint struck 18,215,812 Franklin half dollars in 1960, and the average price of circulated pieces is about $11 on the current coin market. Even those in the mint state are often inexpensive, and you can buy one beautiful specimen for less than $30.
1960 Franklin half dollar value |
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| Year | Quality | |||
| Fine | Extra fine | AU | Uncirculated | |
| 1960 | $8.32 | $8.32 | $8.32 | $11.44 |
| 1960 D | $8.32 | $8.32 | $8.32 | $11.44 |
(CoinStudy)
Coins in high grades can be a bit pricey. For instance, a piece with an MS 65 rating is typically worth $110 to $130. On the other hand, you need to set aside up to $550 for the one in an MS 66 grade.
1960 Franklin half dollar value |
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| Quality | 1960 | 1960 D |
| Good | / | $7.5 |
| Very good | / | $7.5 |
| Fine | $7.7 | $8 |
| Very fine | $8.8 | $8 |
| Extra fine | $8.8 | $9.1 |
| AU | $9.7 | $14 |
| Uncirculated | $15 | $14 |
(Numista)
The auction record won the 1960 D MS 66 Franklin half dollar at Heritage auctions. One collector purchased it for $12,075 in 2003.
1960 Franklin Half Dollar Variation
The 1960 Full Bell Lines Franklin half dollar is a highly appreciated variation among collectors. Complete lines on the bell always increase the coin value, but only those in the mint state can get such a mark.
The primary difference between regular pieces and those with FBL marks is the struck quality. When a strike is weak, the result is incomplete bell lines. On the other hand, a well-struck specimen has uninterrupted all the lower bell bands.
1960 Full Bell Lines Franklin half dollar value |
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| Quality | 1960 FBL | 1960 FBL D |
| MS 63 | $20 to $25 | $20 to $25 |
| MS 64 | $30 to $40 | $30 to $40 |
| MS 65 | $135 to $162 | $200 to $300 |
| MS 66 | $725 to $850 | $1,150 to $1,323 |
| MS 67 | $23,000 to $24,650 | $20,000 to $23,000 |
(Greysheet)
Be aware that the FBL coin can be pricey. For instance, the 1960 MS 67 FBL Franklin half dollar can reach $23,000 to $24,650 at auction. A similar piece produced in the Denver mint will be worth $20,000 to $23,000.
1960 Franklin Half Dollar Grading
The coin grading process aims to ensure its authenticity and precise value. However, the professional company service price often exceeds the specimen value, so collectors make a rough estimate on their own.
On the other hand, you should have your coin professionally evaluated when it looks high-quality and potentially expensive.
Uncirculated – The 1960 Franklin half dollar in the mint state is the only option for collectors who place premiums above bullion silver value. Admirers like this coin mint luster and the intact highest details of the relief.
Although such a piece is 60 years old, it looks brand new and shows no imperfections or stains appearance.
1960 Franklin half dollar value |
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| Quality | 1960 | 1960 D |
| Good | $16.2 | $16.2 |
| Very good | $16.4 | $16.4 |
| Fine | $16.6 | $16.6 |
| Very fine | $16.9 | $16.9 |
| Extra fine | $17.6 | $17.6 |
| AU | $19 | $19 |
| MS 60 | $20.9 | $20.9 |
| MS 65 | $90 | $260 |
| PR 65 | $26.5 | / |
(Hobbizine)
Extra fine – Only high professionals can notice slight scratches and stains on this coin’s surface and feel a smoother texture to the touch than in pieces in the mint state.
In most cases, you will need to use a magnifying glass to detect any changes to the image and the inscriptions’ highest points. Franklin’s cheek, eyebrow, and eye corner are the first thing to check.
Fine – Although you can notice scratches and stains on this coin’s surface, it is still beautiful and highly collectible. The date and image are still visible, and the letters in the inscriptions are legible.
You can notice visible wear on Franklin’s head area. His cheek and eyebrow are smooth, particularly on the highest points, and there is no separation between hair waves.
1960 Franklin half dollar value |
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| Quality | 1960 | 1960 D |
| Very good | $11.3 | $11.3 |
| Fine | $11.3 | $11.3 |
| Very fine | $11.4 | $11.4 |
| Extra fine | $11.4 | $11.4 |
| AU | $12.4 | $12.4 |
| MS 60 | 13.4 to $18.4 | $13.4 to $18.4 |
| MS 61 | $13.4 to $18.4 | $13.4 to $18.4 |
| MS 62 | $13.6 to $18.6 | $13.4 to $18.63 |
| MS 63 | $16.6 to $21.6 | $16.6 to $21.63 |
| MS 64 | $20 to $28 | $20 to $28 |
| MS 65 | $50 to $60 | $110 to $132 |
| MS 66 | $430 to $494.5 | $475 to $546.25 |
| MS 67 | $3,100 to $4,000 | / |
(Greysheet)
Good – It is the lowest rank one collectible coin can get. It is often heavily damaged with visible scratches and stains, while pieces in the worst condition are bent or even broken.
The coin’s rim is almost always deformed, and the image is worn out beyond recognition. However, the silver content will always provide at least the minimum value even to the worst preserved specimens.
Summary
The 1960 Franklin half dollar is a relatively old piece and highly appreciated among collectors. Its price is not too high, making it desirable even for novices and coin admirers with a limited budget. Since this coin is available on the current market, you can start your collection with this series and enjoy the beauty of each piece.
