The 1959 Franklin half dollar was only produced from 1948 to 1963, when the mintage was cut short due to the assassination of JFK and the subsequent minting of the Kennedy half dollars. The obverse features the profile of U.S. patriot and inventor Benjamin Franklin. The portrait faces right, his hair hangs down to his shoulder, and you can see his suit. The year 1959 rests just below the inventor’s chin. The word “Liberty” arches over Franklin’s head, and the words “In God We Trust,” circle along the bottom. The letters “JRS” can just be seen written along Franklin’s shoulder; these are the initials of John R. Sinnock, the mint’s chief engraver during this period, who designed the coin in 1948. The reverse depicts the Liberty Bell. The words “E Pluribus Unum” is on the left, a small heraldic eagle graces the right side of the bell as half dollars are legally required to depict the American eagle. The mint mark “D” sits just over the bell to denote its mintage in Denver. The words “United States of America” arch over the bell, and “Half Dollar” cradles the bell at the bottom. Generally, the bell lines were struck very weakly, thus bells in good condition with clear, distinct outlines, also known as Full Bell Lines (FL), are of greater value. Mint director Nellie Tayloe Ross was fascinated by Franklin and wanted his face to appear on a coin. Officials had considered putting the founding father on the dime in 1941, but the project was shelved due to heavy demands on the Mint for coins as the United States entered World War II. In 1947 Ross requested that chief engraver, John R. Sinnock, create designs for a Franklin half dollar. Sinnock’s earlier work inspired these designs. Though he died before the project was complete, his successor, Gilroy Roberts, finished the work. Sinnock’s initials still are the ones to appear on the portrait. Many silver coins were melted down as bullion after 1964 as their 90 percent silver content made them worth more than their value of 50 cents at the time, increasing the prices of these half dollars and any remaining nickels, dimes, quarters, and other silver currency. Therefore, given the limited run and destruction of the Franklin coin, these are rare. The edge is reeded; it weighs approximately 0.36 ounces and has a 30.6 mm diameter. The halves are 90 percent silver and 10 percent copper. The Franklin half dollars are generally silver in color, although some tarnishing may appear. Take time when searching for proof 1951 half dollars, which are quite often cloudy and spotted. Clear proofs with crisp surfaces are sought after and considered to be in the best condition.