The profile portrait of Benjamin Franklin, one of the most influential Americans in history and one of the Founding Fathers of America is featured on the obverse of the Franklin Half Dollar coin. The coin’s reverse features the Liberty Bell and eagle. These coins were minted over a 15 year period, and collectors may desire to own coins from each year they were produced.

Because these coins were minted over a half century ago and have exchanged hands countless times throughout the years, many of the fifty cent pieces bought and sold today have noticeable wear and tear. Collectors can, however, find Franklin Half Dollars in brilliant, uncirculated condition to this day.

Grading the 1958 Franklin Half Dollar

When you have your coin graded, it is sent to a grading company that specializes in the grading process. The process is comprised of several key steps used to determine the coin’s overall physical condition. In addition, the coin’s metal content as well as authenticity will also be verified. Your coin’s final grade, however, is determined by a team of expert numismatists. Coins that are assigned higher grades on the grading scale may be significantly more valuable than coins of the same type that are assigned lower grades. You can actually perform a close inspection of your coin looking for any damage or imperfections and get a good idea of how it might be graded.

Use the specifications below to determine how your Franklin Half Dollar coin might be graded.

Uncirculated:Coins that are assigned a grade of uncirculated will appear brand new and will look as if they have never been handled by human hands. These coins will have all of their intricate details fully intact, and will look as if they were just removed from the mint’s presses. Many of these coins will have retained their shine and luster, while some may have very slight differences in color or finish. You can use a magnifying glass to visually inspect the coin’s details, such as Franklin’s hair, for any signs of erosion or scratches.

Extremely Fine:Coins that are in extremely fine condition are also in excellent condition, and are just one grade below uncirculated condition. These coins may have some very small blemishes or damage, and they are often only visible through a magnifying glass or microscope. Some of the coin’s details may appear or feel slightly worn down from being handled over the years. Nevertheless, these coins are in great shape and are in very good physical condition.

Fine:A coin that is given a grade of fine still maintains all of its imagery and text, although it may have some moderate damage or wear. The coin’s images or text may be smooth to the touch, and some of the fiber details may look worn down. In addition, the coin’s color may be slightly off.

Good:A coin in good condition will have some significant surface blemishes. Heavy use and wear over the years may even make it hard, if not impossible, to make out the coin’s images, text or other details. A closer inspection may be necessary to determine the type of coin, the mint year and other details. Despite their less-than-perfect physical condition, coins assigned a grade of good may still be very valuable based on demand, scarcity and other variables.

1958 Franklin Half Dollar Pricing

The 1958 edition of the Franklin fifty cent piece carries a reasonable premium. A 1958 mint year fifty cent piece in very fine condition may be bought or sold for about $13, while the same coin in extremely fine condition may be valued about $1 higher. Values can rise based on the coin’s condition or assigned grade.