Price Guide for 1956 Half Dollar Variants
This guide presents price ranges for variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $41.00 – $320.00
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eBayUncirculated: $16.24 – $425.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $15.00 – $17.00Uncirculated: $20.00 – $425.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $12.00 – $1,380.00
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eBayCirculated: $14.00 – $324.95Uncirculated: $15.00 – $2,395.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $14.00 – $20.00Uncirculated: $22.00 – $800.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $13.00 – $1,955.00Uncirculated: $10.00 – $6,440.00
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eBayCirculated: $14.00 – $19.50Uncirculated: $7.50 – $2,775.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $15.00 – $18.00Uncirculated: $20.00 – $1,700.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,410.00Uncirculated: $17.00 – $2,300.00
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eBayUncirculated: $13.50 – $6,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $18.00 – $30.00Uncirculated: $37.00 – $2,850.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $76.00 – $25,850.00
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eBayUncirculated: $119.49 – $565.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $120.00 – $22,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $100.00 – $400.00Uncirculated: $14.00 – $11,750.00
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eBayCirculated: $14.00 – $63.00Uncirculated: $12.29 – $2,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $23.00 – $8,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $180.00 – $987.00
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eBayUncirculated: $317.00 – $989.06
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $150.00 – $5,500.00
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eBayUncirculated: $17.52 – $209.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $21.00 – $38.00Uncirculated: $42.00 – $275.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $58.00 – $275.00
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eBayUncirculated: $60.00 – $7,599.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $52.00 – $1,750.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,880.00Uncirculated: $127.00 – $6,900.00
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eBayCirculated: $94.99Uncirculated: $44.00 – $4,461.20
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $115.00 – $9,750.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $71.68 – $374.00Uncirculated: $29.00 – $1,725.00
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eBayUncirculated: $23.50 – $1,295.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $23.00 – $775.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $41.00 – $8,625.00
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eBayUncirculated: $45.00 – $3,299.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $30.00 – $1,800.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $89.00 – $432.00
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eBayUncirculated: $42.50 – $2,250.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $165.00 – $500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,140.00 – $3,818.75
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eBayUncirculated: $2,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,050.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $176.25
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eBayUncirculated: $49.99 – $350.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $21.00 – $425.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $282.00 – $881.25
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eBayUncirculated: $159.95
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $50.00 – $900.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $94.00 – $630.00
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eBayUncirculated: $58.00 – $999.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $100.00 – $1,100.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $188.00 – $1,100.00
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eBayUncirculated: $192.50 – $819.90
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $125.00 – $1,000.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,450.00 – $2,800.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,750.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $117.50 – $236.18Uncirculated: $45.00 – $837.78
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eBayUncirculated: $30.00 – $849.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $35.00 – $575.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,716.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $300.00 – $800.00
Design and Specifications of the 1956 Half Dollar
The 1956 Franklin Half Dollar was part of the series minted from 1948 to 1963. This coin series honors Benjamin Franklin, one of America’s founding fathers and a renowned polymath. The Franklin Half Dollar replaced the Walking Liberty design and was eventually succeeded by the Kennedy Half Dollar in 1964.
The year 1956 was significant as it marked the height of the post-World War II economic boom in the United States, with the coin reflecting the nation’s prosperity and confidence during this period.
| Weight | 12.5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 30.6 mm |
| Mint Marks | P (Philadelphia, no mint mark), D (Denver) |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Obverse Design | Portrait of Benjamin Franklin, designed by John R. Sinnock |
| Reverse Design | Liberty Bell, designed by John R. Sinnock |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of a 1956 Franklin Half Dollar significantly impacts its value. Circulated examples are primarily valued for their silver content, while uncirculated coins can command substantial premiums.
For circulation strikes, coins in MS65 and above are highly sought after. The presence of full bell lines (FBL) on the reverse can dramatically increase value, especially in higher grades. Proof coins are valued based on their cameo contrast and preservation, with deep cameo examples being particularly desirable.
Mintage: 4,094,509
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Relatively common in grades up to MS65, but scarce in MS66 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, primarily driven by silver content and type collectors
Mintage: 4,519,686
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Similar to Philadelphia, common up to MS65, scarce in MS66 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, slightly higher demand than Philadelphia due to slightly higher mintage
Mintage: 669,384
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to PR65, scarce in PR67 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate to High, popular among proof set collectors
Luster and toning play crucial roles in determining a coin’s desirability. Coins with original, frosty luster are preferred, while attractive, natural toning can significantly enhance appeal and value.
Strike quality is important, particularly for the bell lines on the reverse. Coins with sharp, full bell lines (FBL) are more valuable than those with weak strikes.
While not particularly rare, high-grade examples (MS66 and above) can command significant premiums due to their scarcity in top conditions. For proof coins, the presence and depth of cameo contrast can greatly affect value, with deep cameo examples being the most desirable.
