The 1958 Franklin Half Dollar is worth anywhere from $12 in circulated condition to over $5,000 for rare Type 2 specimens. Whether you found one in a relative’s old collection or at the bottom of a drawer, understanding the difference between a standard coin and a rare variety is key.

Condition/Grade	Estimated Value (Type 1)	Estimated Value (Type 2)
Circulated (Silver Melt)	$12 – $15	$15 – $25
Uncirculated (MS60-MS63)	$25 – $40	$50 – $150
Gem Condition (MS65)	$60	$600 – $1,200
Elite Grade (MS66+)	$250+	$3,000 – $6,000+

Understanding the 1958 Franklin Half Dollar Types

If you are looking to identify your find, using a top coin identifier app is the best first step to differentiate between common dates and valuable varieties. The 1958 Franklin Half Dollar is a 90% silver coin that usually sells for its bullion weight. However, the Philadelphia minting of this year produced two distinct versions: Type 1 and Type 2.

The Type 1 is the “normal” strike, while the Type 2 is a “Proof-style” strike that was unintentionally used on some business-strike coins intended for general circulation. Because Type 2 dies were meant for high-quality proof sets, the details are much sharper. Finding one of these in your pocket change is like hitting a mini-lottery.

To determine if you have a winner, many collectors use the CoinKnow app to zoom in on the specific details of the eagle on the reverse side of the coin. The difference lies in the clarity of the eagle’s feathers and the definition of the lines. Type 2 coins are significantly rarer and command huge premiums from collectors seeking to complete their sets with the finest examples.

The Secret of the 1958 Type 2 Reverse

What makes the Type 2 so special? In 1958, the Mint accidentally used a Proof die to strike a small number of regular coins. On a standard Type 1 coin, the eagle to the right of the Liberty Bell is somewhat flat with mushy details. Specifically, the four feathers to the left of the eagle’s perch are faint and poorly defined.

In contrast, the Type 2 reverse features incredibly sharp details. You can see distinct, crisp feathers and a bold eagle. High-resolution photos are essential here, as the 1958 Franklin Half Dollar Type 2 pricing is determined almost entirely by how strong these details remain after years of circulation.

If you suspect you have a Type 2, look at the “shingles” or feathers on the eagle’s wings. If they look 3D and “pop” off the coin, you might be looking at a very valuable piece of history. Collectors often refer to this as the “Proof-Reverse” error, although it is officially classified as a variety.

Feature	Type 1 (Common)	Type 2 (Rare)
Eagle Detail	Faint, mushy feathers	Sharp, deep feathers
Eagle Left Feathers	Indistinct	4 bold, distinct lines
Rarity	Common (Millions)	Very Rare

Grading and the “Full Bell Lines” (FBL) Factor

For any Franklin Half Dollar, the “Full Bell Lines” (FBL) designation is the holy grail of grading. This refers to the horizontal lines at the bottom of the Liberty Bell on the reverse. Most coins were struck with worn dies, so these lines are often blurry or broken.

A coin that achieves an FBL rating from a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC can double or triple in value. When researching the current 1958 Franklin Half Dollar market value, you will notice that prices for MS65 FBL specimens are vastly higher than those without the designation.

Because checking for FBL requires a practiced eye, many beginners start by using CoinKnow to compare their coins against high-resolution “educational” images of perfect FBL strikes. This helps you decide if it is worth the $30-$50 fee to have the coin professionally graded.

1958-D: The Denver Mint Difference

While the Type 2 variety is only found on Philadelphia coins (those with no mint mark), the Denver Mint (D mint mark) also produced millions of half dollars in 1958. The 1958-D is not known for a “Type 2” variety, but it is extremely popular because it is often found in very high grades.

The Denver Mint struck over 23 million halves that year, compared to about 4 million in Philadelphia. Because they were so common, many people saved them in rolls, meaning “uncirculated” 1958-D coins are quite easy to find today.

However, a 1958-D in MS67 condition is still a rarity worth over $1,000. For most people, a 1958-D found in a jar will be worth about $12-$20 based on its silver content and “About Uncirculated” condition. Use CoinKnow to check for the small “D” above the Liberty Bell’s yoke to identify where your coin was born.

Mint Mark	Mintage	Typical Value (Silver)
None (Philadelphia)	4,042,000	$15 – $30
D (Denver)	23,962,412	$12 – $20
Proof (Philly)	875,652	$25 – $100+

Silver Content and Bullion Value

If your coin is heavily scratched, worn thin, or looks like it has been through a blender, its value is determined by the spot price of silver. Every Franklin Half Dollar contains 0.36169 ounces of pure silver.

When silver prices rise, the “floor” price of these coins goes up. Even if your 1958 half dollar is not a Type 2 or a high-grade gem, it will always be worth significantly more than its 50-cent face value. In fact, it is currently worth about 25 to 30 times its face value just for the metal!

Never clean your coins to make them look shinier. Cleaning a coin with chemicals or a cloth creates tiny scratches that professional graders can spot instantly. A cleaned coin can lose 50% or more of its collector value. It is better to have a dirty, authentic coin than a shiny, “ruined” one.

Tips for Selling Your 1958 Half Dollar

If you decide to sell, you have several options. Local coin shops are great for quick cash, but they need to make a profit, so they typically offer 60-80% of the retail value. For common 1958-D coins, this is usually fair.

For rare Type 2 specimens or FBL coins, auction houses like Heritage Auctions or eBay are better choices. These platforms allow you to reach specialized collectors who are willing to pay a premium for the Type 2 variety.

Before selling, always check recent “Sold” listings rather than “Asking” prices. Many people list coins for thousands of dollars that never sell. Looking at actual completed transactions gives you a realistic expectation of what a buyer will actually pay today.

Selling Method	Pros	Cons
Coin Shop	Instant cash, safe	Lower payout
eBay	Market prices, large audience	Fees, shipping effort
Major Auctions	Best for high-value items	Long wait times

FAQ

Q: How can I tell if my 1958 half dollar is a Type 2?

A: Look at the eagle on the back. A Type 2 coin will have very sharp, deep details on the eagle’s breast and wing feathers. Specifically, look for the four distinct feathers to the left of the eagle’s perch.

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

A: Yes, all Franklin Half Dollars minted from 1948 to 1963 are made of 90% silver and 10% copper. They are highly sought after for both their historical value and their precious metal content.

Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1958 Franklin Half?

A: The mint mark is located on the reverse side, right above the yoke (the wooden bar) of the Liberty Bell. If there is a small “D,” it was minted in Denver. If there is no letter, it was minted in Philadelphia.

Q: What is a “Full Bell Lines” coin?

A: This is a grading term used to describe a Franklin Half Dollar where the horizontal lines at the bottom of the Liberty Bell are complete and uninterrupted. These coins are much rarer and more valuable than those with weak strikes.

Q: Should I get my 1958 Type 2 coin graded?

A: Only if it is in “Uncirculated” condition. Because Type 2 coins are rare, a high grade can skyrocket the value into the thousands. If the coin is worn down from being in pockets, the grading fee might be more than the coin is worth.