What is a 1963 Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar?
The 1963 Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar is a United States coin that was struck in 1963 and released into circulation in 1964. It was the first circulating coin to feature the likeness of Benjamin Franklin and was designed by Gilroy Roberts.
The coin is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper and weighs 11.34 grams. It has a diameter of 30.61 millimeters and a reeded edge. The obverse of the coin features a bust of Benjamin Franklin facing left, with the inscription "LIBERTY" above and "IN GOD WE TRUST" below. The reverse of the coin features an eagle landing on the Moon, with the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" above and "HALF DOLLAR" below.
The 1963 Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar was a popular coin and was widely circulated. It was also the last circulating coin to be struck in 90% silver.
1963 Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar
The 1963 Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar is a significant coin in American numismatics. Here are six key aspects that highlight its importance:
- First circulating coin to feature Benjamin Franklin
- Designed by Gilroy Roberts
- 90% silver composition
- Commemorates the Apollo 11 Moon landing
- Last circulating coin struck in 90% silver
- Popular and widely circulated
The 1963 Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar is a reminder of the nation's space exploration achievements and the transition to a new era of coinage. Its design, composition, and historical significance make it a valuable and sought-after coin among collectors and enthusiasts.
1. First circulating coin to feature Benjamin Franklin
The 1963 Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar holds the distinction of being the first circulating coin to feature the likeness of Benjamin Franklin, one of the most revered Founding Fathers of the United States. This significant design choice marked a departure from the previous tradition of featuring presidents on circulating coins.
- Historical Significance: The use of Franklin's image on the coin commemorated his contributions to American history, including his role in drafting the Declaration of Independence, negotiating the Treaty of Paris, and serving as the first Postmaster General of the United States.
- Symbol of Change: The 1963 Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar represented a shift in the nation's numismatic iconography. It signaled a move away from honoring solely presidents and towards recognizing other notable figures who had made significant contributions to American society and culture.
- Artistic Merit: The coin's design, created by Gilroy Roberts, is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and iconic in American coinage. Franklin's likeness is rendered with great detail and artistry, capturing his intelligence, determination, and wisdom.
- Collector Interest: The 1963 Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar is highly sought after by collectors due to its historical significance, beautiful design, and limited mintage. It is considered a key date in the series of Franklin Half Dollars and commands a premium in the numismatic market.
The decision to feature Benjamin Franklin on the 1963 Half Dollar not only honored his legacy but also marked a new chapter in American coinage design. The coin's enduring popularity and historical significance continue to make it a cherished piece among collectors and enthusiasts.
2. Designed by Gilroy Roberts
The connection between "Designed by Gilroy Roberts" and "1963 Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar" is significant and multifaceted. Gilroy Roberts' design played a crucial role in shaping the coin's historical importance, aesthetic appeal, and enduring legacy.
Artistic Vision and Historical Context: Gilroy Roberts' design for the 1963 Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar was a departure from the traditional depiction of presidents on circulating coins. His choice to feature Benjamin Franklin, one of the most prominent Founding Fathers, reflected the changing numismatic landscape and the desire to honor a broader range of American icons.
Technical Skill and Craftsmanship: Roberts' design showcased his exceptional technical skill and attention to detail. The coin's obverse features a highly detailed bust of Franklin, capturing his intelligence, determination, and wisdom. The reverse depicts an eagle landing on the Moon, commemorating the historic Apollo 11 mission. Roberts' skillful execution of these intricate designs resulted in a coin that is both visually appealing and historically significant.
Collector Interest and Value: Gilroy Roberts' design has significantly contributed to the collector interest and value of the 1963 Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar. The coin's unique design, combined with its historical significance, has made it a highly sought-after piece among numismatists. Roberts' artistic vision has played a substantial role in elevating the coin's status as a collectible and investment.
In conclusion, the connection between "Designed by Gilroy Roberts" and "1963 Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar" underscores the importance of artistic vision and technical skill in coin design. Gilroy Roberts' exceptional work not only created a visually stunning coin but also contributed to its historical significance and collector value, ensuring its enduring legacy in American numismatics.
3. 90% Silver Composition
The "90% silver composition" of the 1963 Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar holds significant historical and numismatic importance, contributing to its enduring legacy as a cherished coin.
Historical Context: Prior to 1965, United States circulating coinage was primarily composed of silver. The use of 90% silver in the 1963 Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar reflected the prevailing standard of the time, ensuring its compatibility with existing coinage systems.
Intrinsic Value and Durability: Silver has long been valued for its intrinsic worth and durability. The 90% silver composition gave the 1963 Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar a substantial intrinsic value, making it a desirable form of currency and a potential store of wealth. Additionally, silver's durability ensured the coin's longevity in circulation, contributing to its widespread distribution and availability.
Numismatic Significance: The 90% silver composition has significantly enhanced the numismatic value of the 1963 Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar. Silver coins are generally more sought after by collectors due to their intrinsic value and historical significance. The 90% silver content of this coin makes it a particularly desirable piece among numismatists, contributing to its premium value in the collector market.
Preservation and Collectibility: Silver's resistance to corrosion and tarnishing makes the 1963 Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar more resistant to wear and tear compared to coins made of lesser metals. This durability has contributed to the coin's preservation and collectibility, ensuring its availability for future generations to appreciate and study.
In conclusion, the "90% silver composition" of the 1963 Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar is a defining characteristic that has shaped its historical significance, numismatic value, and enduring legacy as a cherished collectible.
4. Commemorates the Apollo 11 Moon landing
The 1963 Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar holds a unique place in American numismatics due to its connection to the Apollo 11 Moon landing. This momentous event in human history is commemorated on the coin's reverse, solidifying its significance as a historical artifact.
- Historical Context: The Apollo 11 mission, which resulted in the first lunar landing on July 20, 1969, was a defining moment in space exploration and a major source of national pride for the United States. The 1963 Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar, released just five years prior, captured the anticipation and excitement surrounding this historic achievement.
- Reverse Design: The reverse of the 1963 Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar depicts an eagle landing on the Moon, symbolizing the successful lunar landing and the nation's triumph in space exploration. The intricate design, featuring the lunar surface, stars, and an olive branch, celebrates this remarkable feat of human ingenuity and technological advancement.
- Commemorative Value: The 1963 Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar serves as a lasting tribute to the Apollo 11 mission and its profound impact on American history. The coin commemorates not only the successful landing but also the broader legacy of space exploration and scientific achievement.
- Collector Interest: The connection to the Apollo 11 Moon landing has significantly enhanced the collector interest and value of the 1963 Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar. Numismatists and space enthusiasts alike seek out this coin due to its historical significance and its role in commemorating one of humankind's greatest achievements.
In conclusion, the "Commemorates the Apollo 11 Moon landing" aspect of the 1963 Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar adds immense historical and numismatic value to the coin. It serves as a tangible reminder of a pivotal moment in human history and a testament to the enduring legacy of space exploration.
5. Last circulating coin struck in 90% silver
The "Last circulating coin struck in 90% silver" aspect of the 1963 Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar holds significant historical and numismatic importance. Here are its key facets:
- Historical Context: Prior to 1965, United States circulating coinage was primarily composed of silver. The Coinage Act of 1965 introduced clad coinage, consisting of a copper-nickel exterior bonded to a pure copper core. The 1963 Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar was the last circulating coin to be struck in 90% silver, marking the end of an era in American coinage.
- Silver Value and Inflation: The high silver content of the 1963 Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar gave it intrinsic value beyond its face value. During periods of inflation, the silver value of the coin often exceeded its face value, leading to its hoarding and melting. This contributed to its scarcity in circulation.
- Collector Interest: The 1963 Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar, being the last circulating coin struck in 90% silver, is highly sought after by collectors. Its historical significance and limited mintage make it a valuable and desirable piece in numismatic collections.
- Investment Potential: The silver content of the 1963 Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar also makes it an attractive investment option. Silver is a precious metal with a history of value retention and potential appreciation, adding to the coin's investment appeal.
In conclusion, the "Last circulating coin struck in 90% silver" aspect of the 1963 Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar underscores its historical significance, numismatic value, and collector interest. It represents a transition in American coinage and a tangible reminder of the role silver played in the nation's monetary system.
6. Popular and widely circulated
The "Popular and widely circulated" aspect of the 1963 Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar highlights its extensive use and acceptance as a form of currency during its time.
- High Mintage: The 1963 Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar had a substantial mintage of over 200 million coins, indicating its intended widespread distribution and circulation.
- Public Acceptance: The coin's popularity stemmed from its attractive design, featuring Benjamin Franklin, one of the most revered Founding Fathers, and its commemoration of the Apollo 11 Moon landing, an event that captured the imagination of the nation.
- Commercial Transactions: The 1963 Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar was widely used in everyday commercial transactions, from small purchases to larger expenses, serving as a convenient and recognizable form of payment.
- Numismatic Interest: Despite its wide circulation, the coin's historical significance and limited mintage in 90% silver have made it a popular collectible among numismatists, further contributing to its recognition and appeal.
In conclusion, the "Popular and widely circulated" aspect of the 1963 Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar underscores its extensive use, public acceptance, and historical significance, making it a notable and collectible piece in American numismatics.
FAQs on the 1963 Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar
This section addresses frequently asked questions about the 1963 Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar, providing concise and informative answers.
Question 1: What is the significance of the 1963 Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar?
Answer: The 1963 Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar holds historical significance as the first circulating coin to feature Benjamin Franklin and commemorate the Apollo 11 Moon landing. Its 90% silver composition and limited mintage further enhance its numismatic value.
Question 2: Why was Benjamin Franklin chosen for the coin's design?
Answer: Benjamin Franklin was selected to honor his contributions as a Founding Father, scientist, inventor, and diplomat. His image symbolized the nation's heritage and its focus on progress and innovation.
Question 3: What is the symbolism behind the reverse design of the coin?
Answer: The reverse depicts an eagle landing on the Moon, commemorating the historic Apollo 11 mission and the United States' triumph in space exploration.
Question 4: What is the composition of the 1963 Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar?
Answer: The coin is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, giving it intrinsic value and durability.
Question 5: How many 1963 Benjamin Franklin Half Dollars were minted?
Answer: The total mintage for the 1963 Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar was over 200 million coins, indicating its widespread distribution and use in circulation.
Summary: The 1963 Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar is a historically significant and widely collected coin. Its unique design, commemorating Benjamin Franklin and the Apollo 11 Moon landing, coupled with its 90% silver composition, make it a valuable and sought-after piece in numismatics.
Transition: For further insights into the 1963 Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar and its impact on American coinage, explore the following resources:
Conclusion
The 1963 Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar stands as a testament to the rich history and artistry of American coinage. Its unique design, featuring Benjamin Franklin and commemorating the Apollo 11 Moon landing, combined with its 90% silver composition, has made it a highly sought-after and valuable collectible.
This coin not only represents a significant moment in American history but also showcases the nation's commitment to progress, innovation, and the pursuit of scientific achievement. Its enduring legacy as a popular and widely circulated coin speaks to its timeless appeal and historical significance.
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