Discover The Rarest 1963-D Franklin Half Dollar: A Collector's Dream

What is a 1963 D Franklin Half Dollar?

The 1963 D Franklin Half Dollar is a classic United States coin that was minted in Denver, Colorado. It features the likeness of Benjamin Franklin on the obverse (heads) and the Liberty Bell on the reverse (tails). The coin is made of 90% silver and 10% copper, and it weighs 12.5 grams. The 1963 D Franklin Half Dollar was designed by John Flanagan, and it was the last half dollar to be minted in the United States before the introduction of the Kennedy Half Dollar in 1964.

The 1963 D Franklin Half Dollar is a popular coin among collectors, and it is often used in jewelry and other decorative items. The coin is also a valuable piece of American history, and it can be found in many museums and historical collections.

Here are some of the key features of the 1963 D Franklin Half Dollar:

• Obverse: The obverse of the coin features the likeness of Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. Franklin is depicted in profile, wearing a cap and spectacles.
• Reverse: The reverse of the coin features the Liberty Bell, which is a symbol of American independence. The bell is shown in front of Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed.
• Edge: The edge of the coin is reeded, which means that it has a series of vertical lines.
• Mint mark: The mint mark "D" is located on the reverse of the coin, below the Liberty Bell. This indicates that the coin was minted in Denver, Colorado.

The 1963 D Franklin Half Dollar is a beautiful and historic coin that is a popular choice for collectors and investors alike.

1963 D Franklin Half Dollar

The 1963 D Franklin Half Dollar is a classic United States coin that is popular among collectors and investors alike. Here are seven key aspects of the coin to consider:

• Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
• Weight: 12.5 grams
• Diameter: 30.6 mm
• Obverse: Benjamin Franklin
• Reverse: Liberty Bell
• Mint mark: D (Denver)
• Mintage: 191,388,595

These key aspects provide a comprehensive overview of the 1963 D Franklin Half Dollar. The coin's composition, weight, and diameter are all standard for half dollars of this era. The obverse and reverse designs are both iconic, and the mint mark indicates that the coin was minted in Denver. The mintage figure is relatively high, which means that the coin is relatively common and affordable.

Overall, the 1963 D Franklin Half Dollar is a beautiful and historic coin that is a popular choice for collectors and investors alike. Its key aspects make it a valuable and desirable piece of Americana.

1. Composition

The composition of the 1963 D Franklin Half Dollar is 90% silver and 10% copper. This composition was standard for half dollars minted in the United States from 1853 to 1964. The silver content gives the coin its distinctive white color, while the copper content helps to strengthen the coin and make it more durable. The composition of the 1963 D Franklin Half Dollar is important because it affects the coin's value, rarity, and desirability among collectors.

The silver content of the 1963 D Franklin Half Dollar is 90%, which means that the coin contains 0.90 ounces of pure silver. This makes the coin a valuable piece of silver bullion, and its value is determined by the current price of silver. The copper content of the coin helps to strengthen the coin and make it more durable. Copper is a relatively soft metal, but it is much harder than silver. This makes the 1963 D Franklin Half Dollar more resistant to wear and tear than a coin that is made of pure silver.

The composition of the 1963 D Franklin Half Dollar is an important factor to consider when collecting or investing in coins. The silver content of the coin makes it a valuable piece of bullion, while the copper content helps to strengthen the coin and make it more durable. Collectors and investors should be aware of the composition of the coins they are buying or selling in order to make informed decisions.

2. Weight

The weight of the 1963 D Franklin Half Dollar is 12.5 grams. This is the standard weight for half dollars minted in the United States from 1853 to 1964. The weight of the coin is important because it affects the coin's value, rarity, and desirability among collectors.

The weight of the 1963 D Franklin Half Dollar is determined by its composition and diameter. The coin is made of 90% silver and 10% copper. Silver is a relatively heavy metal, and copper is a relatively light metal. The combination of these two metals gives the 1963 D Franklin Half Dollar a weight of 12.5 grams.

The weight of the 1963 D Franklin Half Dollar is important to collectors because it can help them to identify counterfeit coins. Counterfeit coins are often made of less valuable metals, such as lead or zinc. These metals are lighter than silver, so counterfeit coins will typically weigh less than genuine coins.

The weight of the 1963 D Franklin Half Dollar is also important to investors. The value of the coin is determined by the current price of silver. The heavier the coin, the more silver it contains, and the more valuable it will be.

Overall, the weight of the 1963 D Franklin Half Dollar is an important factor to consider when collecting or investing in coins. The weight of the coin can help to identify counterfeit coins and determine the value of the coin.

3. Diameter

The diameter of the 1963 D Franklin Half Dollar is 30.6 mm, or 1.205 inches. This is the standard diameter for half dollars minted in the United States from 1853 to 1964. The diameter of the coin is important because it affects the coin's weight, value, and rarity.

• Weight
  

  The diameter of the coin affects its weight. A larger coin will weigh more than a smaller coin, all other things being equal. The 1963 D Franklin Half Dollar weighs 12.5 grams, which is the standard weight for half dollars of this era.

• Value
  

  The diameter of the coin can also affect its value. A larger coin will typically be worth more than a smaller coin, all other things being equal. This is because a larger coin contains more metal, and metal is valuable.

• Rarity
  

  The diameter of the coin can also affect its rarity. A smaller coin will typically be rarer than a larger coin, all other things being equal. This is because a smaller coin is more difficult to produce, and fewer of them were minted.

Overall, the diameter of the 1963 D Franklin Half Dollar is an important factor to consider when collecting or investing in coins. The diameter of the coin affects the coin's weight, value, and rarity. Collectors and investors should be aware of the diameter of the coins they are buying or selling in order to make informed decisions.

4. Obverse

The obverse of the 1963 D Franklin Half Dollar features the likeness of Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. Franklin was a polymath who made significant contributions to science, politics, and diplomacy. He is perhaps best known for his role in drafting the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Franklin's image on the 1963 D Franklin Half Dollar is a fitting tribute to his many accomplishments.

The connection between the obverse design and the 1963 D Franklin Half Dollar is significant. Franklin was a strong advocate for American independence and democracy. His image on the coin symbolizes the ideals that the United States was founded upon. The 1963 D Franklin Half Dollar was minted during a time of great social and political change in the United States. The coin's design reflects the nation's commitment to the principles of liberty and equality.

The obverse design of the 1963 D Franklin Half Dollar is also important because it is a reminder of Franklin's legacy. Franklin was a brilliant inventor and scientist. He is credited with inventing the lightning rod, the bifocals, and the Franklin stove. He was also a successful businessman and diplomat. Franklin's accomplishments are a source of inspiration for Americans today.

Overall, the obverse design of the 1963 D Franklin Half Dollar is a fitting tribute to Benjamin Franklin and his many accomplishments. The coin's design is a reminder of the ideals that the United States was founded upon and the importance of Franklin's legacy.

5. Reverse

The reverse of the 1963 D Franklin Half Dollar features the Liberty Bell, an iconic symbol of American independence. The Liberty Bell was cast in 1752 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of William Penn's 1701 Charter of Privileges, which granted religious freedom to the people of Pennsylvania. The Liberty Bell was rung to announce the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, and it has been a symbol of American freedom and independence ever since.

The connection between the reverse design and the 1963 D Franklin Half Dollar is significant. Benjamin Franklin was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States and a strong advocate for American independence. His image on the obverse of the coin is a fitting tribute to his many accomplishments. The Liberty Bell on the reverse of the coin is a reminder of the ideals that the United States was founded upon and the importance of Franklin's legacy.

The 1963 D Franklin Half Dollar was minted during a time of great social and political change in the United States. The Civil Rights Movement was gaining momentum, and the nation was deeply divided over the issue of race. The Liberty Bell on the reverse of the coin is a reminder of the ideals that the United States was founded upon and the importance of fighting for justice and equality.

Overall, the reverse design of the 1963 D Franklin Half Dollar is a powerful symbol of American independence and freedom. The Liberty Bell is a reminder of the ideals that the United States was founded upon and the importance of fighting for justice and equality.

6. Mint mark

The mint mark "D" on the 1963 Franklin Half Dollar indicates that the coin was minted at the Denver Mint in Denver, Colorado. The Denver Mint was established in 1863 to serve the mining industry in the Rocky Mountain region. It is one of the three active mints in the United States today, along with the Philadelphia Mint and the San Francisco Mint.

• Historical Significance
  

  The Denver Mint has played a significant role in the history of American coinage. It was responsible for producing some of the first silver dollars minted in the United States, and it also produced the first gold coins minted west of the Mississippi River.

• Coin Production
  

  The Denver Mint produces a variety of coins, including the dime, quarter, half dollar, and dollar. It also produces commemorative coins and bullion coins.

• Collectors' Value
  

  Coins minted at the Denver Mint can be more valuable to collectors than coins minted at other mints. This is because Denver Mint coins are often more difficult to find, and they are often in better condition.

• Identification
  

  The mint mark "D" on the 1963 Franklin Half Dollar is located on the reverse of the coin, below the Liberty Bell. It is a small, raised letter that is easily visible to the naked eye.

Overall, the mint mark "D" on the 1963 Franklin Half Dollar is a significant indicator of the coin's history and value. It is a reminder of the important role that the Denver Mint has played in the production of American coinage.

7. Mintage

The mintage of 191,388,595 for the 1963 D Franklin Half Dollar is a significant aspect of the coin's history and value. The mintage figure represents the number of coins that were struck at the Denver Mint in 1963. A high mintage figure, such as this one, indicates that the coin was widely circulated and is relatively common today.

The mintage of the 1963 D Franklin Half Dollar is important to collectors for several reasons. First, it can help to determine the rarity of a coin. Coins with a low mintage are generally more rare and valuable than coins with a high mintage. Second, the mintage figure can help to determine the value of a coin. Coins with a high mintage are typically worth less than coins with a low mintage. Third, the mintage figure can help to identify counterfeit coins. Counterfeit coins are often made from less valuable metals, and they may have a different mintage figure than genuine coins.

The mintage of 191,388,595 for the 1963 D Franklin Half Dollar is a significant aspect of the coin's history and value. Collectors should be aware of the mintage figure when buying or selling coins.

FAQs about the 1963 D Franklin Half Dollar

The 1963 D Franklin Half Dollar is a popular coin among collectors and investors alike. Here are some frequently asked questions about the coin:

Question 1: What is the composition of the 1963 D Franklin Half Dollar?

Answer: The 1963 D Franklin Half Dollar is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper.

Question 2: What is the weight of the 1963 D Franklin Half Dollar?

Answer: The 1963 D Franklin Half Dollar weighs 12.5 grams.

Question 3: What is the diameter of the 1963 D Franklin Half Dollar?

Answer: The 1963 D Franklin Half Dollar has a diameter of 30.6 mm.

Question 4: Who is depicted on the obverse of the 1963 D Franklin Half Dollar?

Answer: Benjamin Franklin is depicted on the obverse of the 1963 D Franklin Half Dollar.

Question 5: What is depicted on the reverse of the 1963 D Franklin Half Dollar?

Answer: The Liberty Bell is depicted on the reverse of the 1963 D Franklin Half Dollar.

These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about the 1963 D Franklin Half Dollar. For more information, please consult a reputable coin dealer or numismatic reference book.

Summary: The 1963 D Franklin Half Dollar is a popular coin among collectors and investors alike. The coin is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, weighs 12.5 grams, and has a diameter of 30.6 mm. Benjamin Franklin is depicted on the obverse of the coin, and the Liberty Bell is depicted on the reverse.

Transition: To learn more about the 1963 D Franklin Half Dollar, please continue reading the article.

Conclusion

The 1963 D Franklin Half Dollar is a classic United States coin that is popular among collectors and investors alike. The coin is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, weighs 12.5 grams, and has a diameter of 30.6 mm. Benjamin Franklin is depicted on the obverse of the coin, and the Liberty Bell is depicted on the reverse.

The 1963 D Franklin Half Dollar is a significant coin in American history. It was the last half dollar to be minted in the United States before the introduction of the Kennedy Half Dollar in 1964. The coin is also a reminder of Benjamin Franklin's many accomplishments and his role in the founding of the United States.

Today, the 1963 D Franklin Half Dollar is a valuable and desirable coin. Collectors and investors alike seek out this coin for its beauty, its historical significance, and its silver content.