Thursday, February 27, 2014

Franklin Half Dollar

1948-1963
Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper

With all the snow on the ground still in Eastern Pennsylvania I thought I would look at another coin. The Franklin Half Dollar (also referred to as the Liberty Bell Half Dollar) began minting in 1948. Designed by John R. Sinnock, the obverse features Benjamin Franklin with the words “Liberty” inscribed above, “In God We Trust” below, and the date to Franklin’s right. Tucked below Franklin’s shoulder are Sinnock’s initials “JRS.”

 The reverse features the Liberty Bell as a complement to Franklin, since both have become closely identified not only with the nation’s birth but with the city of Philadelphia. Three inscriptions are arranged around the bell “United States of America” above, “Half Dollar” below, and “E Pluribus Unum” (Out of Many, One) to the left. To the right of the bell is an upright eagle which had been required by law to appear on the half dollar since 1792. The eagle was added by Gilroy Roberts, who completed work on the coin following Sinnock’s death in 1947.

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Walking Liberty Half Dollar



1916-1947
Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper

The Walking Liberty Silver Half Dollar began minting in 1916. It is perhaps one of my favorite coins to unearth and an absolute great example of a beautiful older coin. Designed by Adolph A. Weinman, the obverse features a full-length figure of Liberty striding toward the dawn of a new day carrying branches of laurel and oak symbolizing civil and military glory.

The reverse depicts a majestic eagle perched on a mountain crag with its wings unfolded in a pose suggesting power, while it clutches a pine sapling in its right talon. Weinman initials “AW” can be found directly under the eagle’s tail feathers.

The first issued coins minted in Denver (D) and San Francisco (S) have the mintmark displayed on the obverse, just below the inscription “In God We Trust”. Partway through production in 1917, the mintmarks’ location was moved to the lower left of the reverse, just below the sapling, where it remained until the series ended in 1947.



Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Under Construction!

As the winter continues to batter Montco the snow refuses to melt! Hopefully we will have some relief soon so the metal detecting can commence!