1955 Half Dollar - 1955 50C PCGS MS66FBL CAC. In its population report, as of January 19, CAC shows 30 in MS66FBL. At PCGS only 2 are certified higher than the present piece. This toned monster, 1955 Franklin half dollar, has full bell lines and is confirmed by CAC. The obverse devices are primarily white with speckled tan and brown toning on the portrait and heavier toning above and to the right. The reverse also has lighter devices with more toning on the lower field. The coin is graded MS66 FBL, indicating a full strike. The CAC sticker means that the coin is well within the assigned grade range and is a premium quality piece.

Franklin Half dollars were made from 1948 to 1963. They were designed by John R.Sinnock, the U.S. Mint chief engraver. The coin shows a close portrait of Franklin in profile facing right, which was modeled after a bust of him by the famous sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon. Above his head is LIBERTY, and IN GOD WE TRUST is below. The date is in the right field between his chin and chest. The reverse shows a large Liberty Bell showing its crack. UNITED STATES oF AMERICA is in an arc above, and the denomination written as HALF DOLLAR is below. To the left of the bell is the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM in small letters balanced by a small eagle, which was not part of the original design, to the right. The coin was made in 90 percent silver and has a reeded edge.

Nellie Tayloe Ross, the Mint Director, had much admired Benjamin Franklin and wanted him to be shown on a circulating coin. She told Sinnock to prepare designs for the half dollar. Unfortunately he died before the process was completed, and Gilroy Roberts, his assistant and successor finished the work, which included adding the eagle to the reverse. The Commission of Fine Arts disapproved of the diminutive eagle and felt that showing the crack in the Liberty Bell would be a source of ridicule. Despite this disapproval, the Mint followed Sinnocks designs.

In its population report, as of January 19, CAC shows 30 in MS66FBL. At PCGS only 2 are certified higher than the present piece.