The 1958 Franklin Half Dollar is worth anywhere from $12 in worn condition to over $1,500 in high-grade mint state. Whether you found one in a drawer or inherited a collection, these silver coins are highly prized by collectors for their historical significance and precious metal content.

Condition / Grade	1958 (Philadelphia) Value	1958-D (Denver) Value
Good to Very Fine (Circulated)	$12.00 – $15.00	$12.00 – $15.00
About Uncirculated (AU)	$16.00 – $18.00	$16.00 – $18.00
Mint State (MS-63)	$25.00 – $35.00	$22.00 – $30.00
High Grade (MS-65+)	$100.00+	$150.00+

History of the 1958 Franklin Half Dollar

The Franklin Half Dollar series was first introduced in 1948, replacing the Walking Liberty design. It was a groundbreaking change because it featured Benjamin Franklin, a founding father who was not a President. By 1958, the United States Mint was producing millions of these coins, but little did they know the series would be cut short just a few years later following the assassination of John F. Kennedy.

Today, many Americans use a top coin identifier app to see if the loose change in their possession carries history like the 1958 issue. These coins are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, making them “junk silver” favorites for investors and numismatic treasures for collectors.

When examining your coin, you will notice Franklin’s profile on the obverse and the Liberty Bell on the reverse. Because of the heavy silver content, even a 1958 Franklin Half Dollar in poor condition is worth significantly more than its $0.50 face value. If you are unsure of what you have, using a tool like CoinKnow can help you identify mint marks and condition details instantly from your smartphone.

Understanding the 1958 Philadelphia vs. 1958-D Denver Mint

In 1958, two main mints produced the Franklin Half Dollar: Philadelphia and Denver. Identifying where your coin was made is the first step in determining the 1958 silver half dollar price. Philadelphia coins do not have a mint mark, while Denver coins feature a small “D” located above the Liberty Bell’s yoke on the reverse side.

In terms of production, Denver minted nearly 24 million coins in 1958, while Philadelphia struck only about 4 million circulation strikes. Paradoxically, because many Philadelphia coins were saved in rolls, finding a high-grade 1958 Philadelphia coin can sometimes be easier than finding a pristine Denver strike that hasn’t been beat up in a bag.

Knowing the 1958 Franklin Half Dollar MS grade prices is essential for anyone looking to sell. Collectors often pay a premium for the Philadelphia version in mid-range uncirculated grades because of the lower overall mintage numbers compared to the Denver output.

Mint Branch	Mintage amount	Mint Mark Location
Philadelphia	4,042,000	None (Above Bell)
Denver (D)	23,962,412	“D” (Above Bell)
Proof (Philly)	875,652	None

The Value of 1958 Proof Franklin Half Dollars

For those who find a coin that looks exceptionally shiny, almost like a mirror, you might be holding a 1958 Proof Franklin Half Dollar. Proof coins were minted specifically for collectors and were sold in sets by the Mint. Unlike regular coins meant for pockets, proofs were struck twice with polished dies to ensure a sharp, beautiful finish.

The 1958 proof issue is particularly interesting because it is the year mint sets began to be packaged in flat plastic packs rather than the old “box” style. High-quality proofs can fetch high prices, especially if they have a “Cameo” or “Deep Cameo” effect, where the portrait of Franklin is frosted and the background is mirror-like.

Using CoinKnow allows you to compare your coin’s luster with high-resolution images of known proof specimens. A 1958 proof in a standard grade might sell for $30, but a perfect PR69 specimen can reach into the thousands at auction. Checking the latest 1958 half dollar appraisal data is the best way to ensure you don’t sell a rare proof for the price of a regular silver coin.

How Grading Affects the 1958 Silver Half Dollar Price

In the world of coin collecting, condition (or “grade”) is everything. A coin that has been jingling in a pocket for years will only be worth its “melt value”—the value of the silver metal inside. As of today, that is roughly $10 to $12 depending on the current market price of silver. However, once a coin reaches “Uncirculated” status, the numismatic value takes over.

Standard grading uses a 1-70 scale. For a 1958 Franklin Half Dollar, the difference between an MS-63 (typical uncirculated) and an MS-66 (exceptional) can be hundreds of dollars. Collectors look for “Full Bell Lines” (FBL) on the reverse. If the horizontal lines at the bottom of the Liberty Bell are crisp and uninterrupted, the coin’s value skyrockets.

Grade Designation	Visual Description	Estimated Market Value
Very Good (VG-8)	Heavy wear, most details flat.	$12.50
Extremely Fine (EF-40)	Light wear on Franklin’s hair.	$15.00
Mint State (MS-65)	Gleaming luster, very few marks.	$125.00
MS-66 Full Bell Lines	Perfect lines on Liberty Bell.	$450.00+

Identifying 1958 Franklin Half Dollar Errors

Error coins are the “lottery tickets” of the coin-collecting world. While the 1958 Franklin Half Dollar is generally known for high production quality, several famous errors exist that can make a common coin worth a fortune. These occur during the minting process and are often unique.

One common error to look for is the “Double Die” error. This is most visible in the lettering or the dates, where you can see a slight doubling effect. Another popular variety is the “Bugs Bunny” error. This is caused by a die clash where the🦅 eagle’s wing on the reverse leaves a mark on Franklin’s mouth on the obverse, making it look like he has buck teeth.

If you suspect you have an error, CoinKnow can be a great resource for identifying these specific oddities. An authenticated 1958 Bugs Bunny error in high grade can double or triple the standard value of the coin. Always handle these coins by the edges to avoid getting finger oils on the surfaces, which can degrade the value over time.

How to Sell Your 1958 Franklin Half Dollar

If you’ve decided to part with your coin, you have several options. For common, circulated 1958 half dollars, a local coin shop is the easiest route. They will usually pay you slightly under the “melt” value because they need to make a profit when they resell the silver. This is a fast way to get cash for silver.

For higher-grade specimens or rare errors, online auctions like eBay or specialized numismatic auction houses are better choices. These platforms allow you to reach a wider audience of collectors who are willing to pay a premium for specific grades or mint marks. Before selling, always check current price guides to ensure you are getting a fair offer.

Keep in mind that professional grading (sending your coin to PCGS or NGC) usually costs about $30-$50 per coin. Only do this if you are certain your 1958 Franklin Half Dollar is in “Mint State” condition or is a rare error. For the average find, a clear photo and an honest description are all you need to find a buyer in the thriving secondary market.

FAQ

Q: Is a 1958 Franklin Half Dollar made of real silver?

A: Yes, every 1958 Franklin Half Dollar minted for circulation and as proofs contains 90% silver and 10% copper. This makes them highly valuable even if they are in poor condition.

Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1958 half dollar?

A: The mint mark is found on the reverse side (the back) of the coin. Look directly above the yoke of the Liberty Bell. If you see a “D,” it was made in Denver. If there is no letter, it was made in Philadelphia.

Q: What is the “Bugs Bunny” error on the 1958 Franklin?

A: This is a famous die-clash error. It occurs when the minting dies hit each other without a coin blank in between. On the Franklin half, this often results in a mark on Franklin’s upper lip that resembles rabbit teeth.

Q: Should I clean my old 1958 silver coins?

A: No! Never clean your coins. Cleaning causes microscopic scratches that collectors can easily spot, and it can reduce the value of a rare coin by 50% or more. Collectors prefer the natural “patina” or toning that comes with age.