A Half Dollar Saved is a Half Dollar Earned
As one of the most famous Founding Fathers, Benjamin Franklin was an appropriate choice to appear on the half dollar denomination when it was redesigned in 1948. The Director of the Mint at the time was Nellie Tayloe Ross. She had considered Franklin for depiction on a coin ever since she saw John R. Sinnock’s medal depicting the important author, inventor, scientist, and diplomat.
During a speech for the release of the new half dollar, the Mint Director had stated that many people urged Franklin’s depiction on the one cent coin. This was due to his famous quote “a penny saved is a penny earned.” The honor of appearing on the most heavily produced coin was currently with Abraham Lincoln who had appeared there since 1909. The Mint Director explained that the size and nature of the half dollar would be an even more impressive way to honor Franklin.
The Franklin Half Dollar was minted each year from 1948 to 1963. Although the duration of the series was short, it remains collected widely by date and mint mark, and by specialists looking for sharply struck “full bell lines” examples.