PCGS Nos: 6678, 86678, 6701, 86701, 96701

Mintage:
Circulation strikes: 6,024,000
Proofs: 1,691,602

Designer: John R. Sinnock, the reverse adapted from a design by John Frederick Lewis

Diameter: ±30 millimeters

Metal content:
Silver - 90%
Copper - 10%

Weight: ±193 grains (±12.5 grams)

Edge: Reeded

Mintmark: None (for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) centered above the bell on the reverse

Images courtesy of Bowers and Merena Auctions

Notes:
The 1960 Franklin Half Dollar continues the design first introduced by John R. Sinnock in 1948.  The front of the coin features a portrait of Benjamin Franklin, the famous American Statesman.  The back of the coin features the Liberty Bell in a version similar to the one seen on the back of the 1926 Sesquicentennial Commemorative Half Dollar.  1,691,602 high-quality Proof Half Dollars were struck for sale to collectors in 1960.  Proof versions are so well struck that you can actually read the name of the foundry printed on the Liberty Bell (Pass and Stow).

The finest Uncirculated non-Full Bell Line examples graded by PCGS are 9 MS-66's.

The finest Uncirculated Full Bell Line examples graded by PCGS are 14 MS-66's.

The finest Proof examples graded by PCGS are 5 PR-69's.

The finest Proof Cameo examples graded by PCGS are 2 PR-69's.

The finest Proof Deep Cameo examples graded by PCGS are 5 PR-69's.

Significant examples:
PCGS MS-66 Full Bell Lines.  Ex - Bowers & Merena Galleries' "The Cabinet of Lucien M. LaRiviere, Part II", March 15-17, 2001, Lot 1831, unsold

PCGS MS-66 Full Bell Lines.  Ex - Bowers & Merena Galleries' "The Rarities Sale", January 3, 2001, Lot 253, illustrated, sold for $3,450.00  From the Great Lakes Collection

Recent appearances:
PCGS Proof-68 Deep Cameo.  Ex - Superior Galleries' "The ANA 2001 National Money Show Auction", March 8-9, 2001, Lot 321, sold for $345.00

NGC Proof-68 Deep Cameo.  Ex - Heritage Numismatic Auctions, Inc.'s "Long Beach Signature Sale", May 31-June 2, 2001, Lot 8572, not illustrated, sold for $805.00

PCGS MS-65, Full Bell Line.  Ex - Heritage Numismatic Auctions, Inc.'s "Philadelphia 2000 Signature Sale", August 6-7, 2000, Lot 6113, not illustrated, sold for $356.50

PCGS MS-65, Full Bell Line.  Ex - Heritage Numismatic Auctions, Inc.'s "Philadelphia 2000 Signature Sale", August 6-7, 2000, Lot 6114, not illustrated, sold for $316.25

PCGS MS-65 Full Bell Lines.  Ex - Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins & Collectibles, Inc.'s "Benson Collection, Part I", February 16, 18-20, 2001, Lot 1929, not illustrated, sold for $121.00

Sources and/or recommended reading:
"The PCGS Population Report, April 2003" by The Professional Coin Grading Service