Most collectors walk right past 1962 Franklin half dollars at coin shows, assuming they’re just common silver coins. That’s a costly mistake. While millions were minted in Philadelphia and Denver, specific variations command prices from $50 to over $25,000 at auction. The difference lies in understanding mint marks, Full Bell Lines, proof varieties, and rare errors that transform an ordinary half dollar into a valuable collector’s piece.

Understanding the 1962 Franklin Half Dollar Mintage

The United States Mint produced Franklin half dollars at two facilities in 1962, creating distinct collecting categories. Philadelphia struck 35,473,281 pieces without a mint mark, while Denver produced 35,401,000 coins marked with a “D” on the reverse above the Liberty Bell. Additionally, the San Francisco Mint created 3,218,019 proof coins exclusively for collectors, each bearing an “S” mint mark.

These silver coins contain 90% silver and 10% copper, weighing 12.5 grams with a diameter of 30.6mm. The obverse features Benjamin Franklin’s profile designed by John R. Sinnock, while the reverse displays the Liberty Bell with a small eagle to the right—a constitutional requirement that Franklin opposed having on the coin.

The survival rate for circulated examples remains exceptionally high since many were saved when silver coins disappeared from circulation in 1965. However, coins in pristine Mint State condition tell a different story, particularly those exhibiting sharp strikes on the bell lines.

Philadelphia Mint 1962 Half Dollar Values (No Mint Mark)

Philadelphia strikes without mint marks represent the most common variety in lower grades, yet exceptional specimens command significant premiums. A coin in Good-4 condition trades at silver melt value, approximately $8.50 as of 2024. Fine-12 examples bring $9 to $10, while About Uncirculated-50 pieces sell for $11 to $13.

The value curve steepens dramatically in Mint State:

Full Bell Lines designation requires complete horizontal separation of the bottom bell lines on the Liberty Bell—a detail lost on most 1962 strikes due to weak die pressure. PCGS and NGC grading services estimate only 5-8% of 1962 Philadelphia halves qualify for FBL designation in Mint State grades.

A PCGS MS-67 FBL example sold through Heritage Auctions in January 2023 for $9,200, while another MS-66+ FBL brought $1,680 at Stack’s Bowers in March 2024. The population reports reveal why: PCGS has certified just 43 examples in MS-67 FBL, with none grading higher.

Denver Mint 1962-D Half Dollar Worth

Denver production from 1962 produced slightly better strikes on average, though truly sharp Full Bell Lines specimens remain scarce. Circulated grades mirror Philadelphia values—Good-4 at melt value, Fine-12 around $9.50, and AU-50 at $12.

Mint State values diverge based on strike quality:

The Denver mint mark appears as a small “D” on the reverse, positioned above the Liberty Bell between the bell and the rim. Genuine Denver strikes show consistent letter formation with sharp edges—important for detecting altered mint marks or counterfeit designations.

In August 2023, a PCGS MS-67 FBL 1962-D sold for $7,200 at Great Collections, establishing a recent benchmark. The MS-66 FBL tier offers better value opportunities, with examples trading between $650-$800 depending on eye appeal and surface preservation.

1962 Proof Half Dollar Premium Values

San Francisco produced proof coins using specially polished dies and planchets, creating mirror-like fields and frosted devices. Standard 1962 proofs in PR-65 grade sell for $18-$22, while PR-67 examples bring $35-$42. The real value lies in Cameo and Deep Cameo designations.

Cameo proofs show moderate contrast between frosted devices and mirrored fields. Deep Cameo (DCAM) specimens exhibit dramatic black-and-white contrast—a visual effect highly prized by collectors. Early 1962 proof production yielded stronger cameo contrast before die polishing wore down the frost.

Proof Values by Designation:

A PCGS PR-69 DCAM sold through Heritage Auctions in April 2024 for $19,200, setting a record for the issue. Only 12 examples have achieved this grade at PCGS, with NGC certifying 8 additional pieces. The PR-68 DCAM tier offers accessible collecting at $1,600-$2,000, with steady demand from registry set collectors.

Valuable 1962 Franklin Half Dollar Errors

Mint errors on 1962 Franklin halves create dramatic value premiums when properly authenticated. The most significant errors include repunched mint marks, doubled dies, off-center strikes, and struck-through errors.

Repunched Mintmark (RPM) varieties occur when the Denver mint mark was punched multiple times in slightly different positions. The 1962-D RPM-001 shows clear doubling below and to the left of the primary “D.” In MS-64 condition, this variety commands $180-$225, while MS-65 examples reach $450-$550. A PCGS MS-66 RPM-001 sold for $1,150 in November 2023 at GreatCollections.

Doubled Die Obverse errors on 1962 proofs show doubling in “LIBERTY” and the date. A strong DDO proof in PR-66 sold for $3,400 at Heritage in January 2024. Authentication is critical since die polishing can create doubling-like effects that aren’t true doubled dies.

Off-center strikes derive value from the percentage off-center and whether the date remains visible. A 1962-D struck 15% off-center with full date in MS-63 sold for $425 in March 2024. Dramatic 40% off-center examples with partial dates bring $800-$1,200 in uncirculated condition.

Struck-through errors occur when foreign objects—grease, cloth, staples, or wire—come between the die and planchet during striking. A documented 1962 Philadelphia half with a struck-through staple sold for $875 in MS-62 condition at Stack’s Bowers in June 2023. The unusual nature and visual impact drive premiums beyond typical error coins.

Clipped planchet errors show missing portions from the blank before striking. Straight clips (approximately 5-10% missing) on 1962 halves sell for $95-$150 in AU condition, while curved clips from overlapping blanks bring $75-$125.

Identifying Authentic Full Bell Lines

The Full Bell Lines designation separates common coins from valuable specimens, making accurate identification essential for collectors and dealers. The horizontal lines appear at the bottom of the Liberty Bell on the reverse, representing the structural supports of the actual bell in Philadelphia.

Examine the bottom three horizontal lines crossing the bell under strong magnification—10x minimum, preferably 20x. Complete separation means each line remains distinct without merging or flattening where they cross the bell’s vertical elements. Partial breaks or slight contact disqualify FBL designation.

Lighting angle matters significantly. Position the coin at a 45-degree angle under a single light source to reveal the depth of strike. Rotate slowly—weak strikes show flatness that becomes obvious when light rakes across the surface.

Compare your coin to certified FBL examples through PCGS or NGC online photo galleries. The grading services maintain strict standards: PCGS requires complete separation of the lower three horizontal lines, while NGC applies identical criteria. Even slight weakness at the bell’s center disqualifies FBL status.

Third-party authentication provides certainty and marketability. Raw coins claiming FBL status often disappoint under professional grading—many sellers confuse partial lines with full separation. The $35-$50 grading fee becomes worthwhile insurance on potential MS-65 FBL or higher coins worth hundreds to thousands of dollars.

Building a Complete 1962 Franklin Set

Assembling a comprehensive 1962 Franklin half dollar collection offers achievable goals at multiple budget levels. A basic three-coin set—Philadelphia, Denver, and Proof—costs $40-$60 in circulated to lower Mint State grades, providing affordable exposure to the series’ final regular year.

Intermediate collectors pursue FBL examples across all three mints in MS-64 to MS-65, requiring $250-$400 for the set depending on market timing. This level demonstrates understanding of strike quality while remaining accessible to working collectors.

Advanced registry sets target MS-66 FBL and higher grades, with Deep Cameo proofs in PR-67 or better. Budget $2,500-$4,000 for premium examples that rank competitively in PCGS or NGC registry competitions. Specialists add major error varieties like the RPM-001 and documented DDO proofs, potentially reaching $8,000-$12,000 for a world-class 1962 collection.

Market availability fluctuates seasonally—major auctions from Heritage, Stack’s Bowers, and GreatCollections typically offer premium 1962 Franklins in January, April, August, and November. Online marketplaces provide steady supplies of common grades, though authentication risks increase without third-party certification.

The 1962 Franklin half dollar represents the series’ penultimate year before Kennedy halves replaced them following the 1963 assassination. This historical significance, combined with 90% silver content and genuine rarity in top conditions, supports sustained collector demand across economic cycles.