The 1958 Type 2 Franklin Half Dollar is worth anywhere from $12 in circulated condition to over $5,000 for rare high-grade specimens. Finding one of these silver treasures in your change or an old collection is an exciting discovery that connects you directly to America’s mid-century numismatic history.
What Makes the 1958 Type 2 Franklin Half Dollar Special
If you have discovered a shiny silver coin featuring Benjamin Franklin, you might be holding a piece of history that is worth significantly more than its fifty-cent face value. The 1958 Franklin Half Dollar was minted during a transition period for the United States Mint. While all Franklin halves from this year contain 90% silver, the “Type 2” variety is particularly interesting to collectors because of how it was produced.
Most 1958 halves found in circulation are “Type 1” coins, but the Type 2 variety features a much sharper design on the reverse side. This design was originally intended for proof coins but was occasionally used on coins meant for general circulation. If you aren’t sure which version you have, using a free coin identifier app is the quickest way to get a professional-grade analysis right from your smartphone.
Collectors pay close attention to the details of the eagle on the back of the coin. In the Type 2 strike, the eagle’s feathers are much more defined and three-dimensional. Because these were struck with dies intended for collectors, the visual appeal is often much higher than the standard issue. To truly understand your coin’s potential, you can check the latest 1958 Franklin Half Dollar current market prices which track real-time auction data.
Evaluating the Condition and Value of Your Coin
The value of your 1958 Franklin Half Dollar is primarily determined by its physical condition, also known as its “grade.” Most coins found in old jars or inherited collections are “circulated,” meaning they show signs of wear from being used in daily commerce. Even in worn condition, these coins are valuable because of their high silver content. As of today, the silver melt value alone ensures these coins are worth several times their face value.
However, the real money is found in “Uncirculated” or “Mint State” (MS) coins. These are coins that never made it into people’s pockets and still retain the original luster they had when they left the mint. For a detailed breakdown of how grading affects the 1958 half dollar value, you can refer to this comprehensive value guide. Using tools like the CoinHix app can help you compare your coin against high-resolution images of various grades.
When a 1958 Type 2 reaches a grade of MS65 or higher, the price starts to climb into the hundreds and even thousands of dollars. Collectors specifically look for “Full Bell Lines” (FBL) on the Liberty Bell. If the horizontal lines near the bottom of the bell are complete and uninterrupted, the coin’s value skyrockets. The CoinHix app is an excellent resource for identifying these subtle features that make a massive difference in price.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Average Wear) | $12.00 – $15.00 |
| About Uncirculated (AU58) | $18.00 – $25.00 |
| Mint State (MS63) | $40.00 – $65.00 |
| Mint State (MS65) | $150.00 – $300.00 |
| Mint State (MS66 Full Bell Lines) | $1,200.00+ |
How to Spot the Type 2 Design Details
Identifying a Type 2 can be tricky for the untrained eye, but it is a rewarding challenge. The primary difference is located on the back of the coin, specifically looking at the eagle to the right of the Liberty Bell. On a Type 1 coin, the eagle is relatively flat and lacks detail. On the Type 2, the eagle’s breast feathers are distinct, and the wings show clear, crisp lines.
This “Proof Reverse” variety happened because the Philadelphia Mint began using proof dies to strike regular business-strike coins late in 1958. Because the Philadelphia Mint did not use mint marks at that time, you won’t see a small letter above the Liberty Bell. If you see a “D,” it was minted in Denver, and all Denver coins from 1958 are considered Type 1.
Identifying these varieties is exactly why many new hobbyists use the CoinHix app. It uses image recognition to help you distinguish between a common strike and a more valuable variety. Knowing exactly what you have is the first step toward getting a fair price if you ever decide to sell your collection to a dealer or at auction.
Storing and Protecting Your 1958 Silver Half Dollars
Because the 1958 Franklin Half Dollar is made of 90% silver, it is susceptible to tarnishing (also called “toning”) and physical damage. Even a small scratch can significantly lower the grade of an uncirculated coin. If you have found a coin that looks particularly clean or shiny, do not clean it! Cleaning a vintage coin with polish or even soap and water can strip away the original “mint frost” and ruin its collector value.
Instead, handle the coin only by the edges and place it in a protective holder. Cardboard “2×2” flips or plastic capsules are the best ways to keep the coin safe from fingerprints and moisture. When you use the CoinHix app to catalog your find, you can keep a digital record of your coin’s condition while the physical specimen stays protected in your safe or storage box.
Many Americans are discovering that their “pocket change” or inherited items are worth much more than they initially thought. The 1958 Type 2 Franklin Half Dollar is a perfect example of how a small design variation can turn a common silver coin into a sought-after rarity. By understanding the grading, the silver content, and the specific Type 2 characteristics, you are well on your way to becoming an informed coin owner.
Q: How can I tell if my 1958 Franklin Half Dollar is a Type 2?
A: Look at the eagle on the reverse. If the eagle has highly detailed, well-defined breast feathers and crisp wing details, it is likely a Type 2. The Type 1 eagle appears much flatter and less detailed.
Q: Is the 1958 Franklin Half Dollar made of real silver?
A: Yes, all Franklin Half Dollars minted from 1948 to 1963 are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. This gives them an inherent “melt value” that changes based on the daily price of silver.
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1958 half dollar?
A: If there is a mint mark, it will be a small “D” located directly above the yolk of the Liberty Bell on the reverse side. If there is no letter, the coin was minted in Philadelphia. All Type 2 varieties are from the Philadelphia Mint.
