If you have an old 1960 Franklin half dollar lying at the back of your wardrobe, you may be sitting on a valuable metal nugget.
The Franklin half dollar was minted from 1948 until 1963, and they were made 90% silver and 10% copper. There is still value in heavily worn examples because there is some 90% silver in melted value in the coin that equates to today’s silver prices. Based on the current price of silver, a circulated 1960 Franklin half dollar can sell for anywhere between $10 and $20 due to the intrinsic value alone. However, the true value lies in having a very fine coin or one with certain attributes.
Condition is one of the most critical factors, boosting the estimates of a Franklin half-dollar Design. Coins that are uncirculated or in near-mint condition can command high premiums from collectors. In this way, a 1960 Franklin half dollar of mint quality can sell for between 104 and 288. This is because the fillers know that the condition unsuitable for them is the one with as much polishing as possible. But that’s not it; some rare types and even minting mistakes exist that can surge the price of the coin even more.
The 1960 Franklin half dollar with a “Bugs Bunny” variety, invented from that of a die clash, which created bucked teeth for Benjamin Franklin, is another unique variation. This unexpected minting fluke also made the coin sought after by collectors, with unfinished or uncirculated Bugs Bunny variants reaching prices of as much as six hundred dollars. Currencies with a cameo or deep cameo proof finish, where the design is frosted whilst the rest of the coin is mirror-like, are also sought after. These special coinage designs, worth using special dies cut, could go for more than $2000, depending on the grade and scarcity level.
While, sadly, it is more likely that you don’t own such a rare kind of specimen, any 1960 Franklin half dollar in acceptable shape can still yield a significant gain. Coins belonging to this timeframe are out of general circulation, and the percentage of silver within the coins guarantees that they will appreciate in brand value, more so as the prices of silver rise and fall. Should you come into possession of such a coin, it is advised that you take good care of it. Do not attempt to scrub it clean or polish it, as this would lower its evaluative worth. It is best to let a professional coin dealer give you a quotation for it instead.
Take note: a 1960 Franklin half dollar could be much more than just pocket change.
