The 1957 half-dollar belongs to the series of coins that contain silver. So, these coins are very sought after by many collectors. Not only for their silver content but also because it’s an older coin. Let’s explore the different price ranges with this 1957 Half Dollar Value Guide.
1957 Half Dollar Value Summary
| Mint Location | Mintage | Coin Grading | Estimated Value |
| Philadelphia | 5,114,000
|
1957 P 50C (Regular Strike) | $9.50 to $1,150.00 |
| 1957 P 50C, FBL | $22.00 to $2450.00 | ||
| Denver | 19,966,850 | 1957-D 50C (Regular Strike) | $9.50 to $1950.00 |
| 1957-D 50C, FBL | $20.00 to $4100.00 |
The 1957 Franklin Half Dollar series has a substantial mintage, particularly from the Denver Mint, which produced a total of 19,966,850 coins. Coins from this mint location can cost for $9.50 to $1950.00 the regular strike. Meanwhile, Full Bell Line coins can go a bit higher at $20.00 to $4100.00.
Philadelphia Mint produced a lower amount of mintage for this coin, totaling 5,114,000. So, no mint mark 1957 Half Dollar generally provides more value in the market. The 1957 P Half Dollars can go for $9.50 to $1,150.00 for Regular Strike and for $22.00 to $2450.00 Full Bell Line.
1957 Half Dollar Details
- Category: Franklin Half Dollars
- Obverse Designer: John R. Sinnock
- Reverse Designer: Sinnock but finished by Gilroy Roberts
- Metal Composition: 90% Silver and 10% Copper
- Weight: 50g
- Diameter: 61mm
- Thickness: 8 mm
- Edge: Reeded
In 1957, the US issued two half-dollar coins: one with no mint mark and one with a “D” mint mark. The mint letter is located above the Liberty Bell’s yoke on the coin’s reverse side.
There is a lot of contrasting credit to who designed the Franklin Half Dollar. Specifically, the reverse design. For example, the PCGS credits John Frederick Lewis for the design. However, he’s just the designer for the bell icon sketch, not the coin itself.
The obverse design for the coin is by John R. Sinnock, along with the initial one for the reverse. However, he died before finishing it, so Gilroy Roberts is the one who finished the reverse design.
The front of the coin features a bust of Benjamin Franklin along with the phrases ‘Liberty’ on top and ‘In God We Trust’ at the bottom. Along with that is the year of mintage on the right side.
The back side of the coin features a Liberty Bell in the center with the country and value on the top and bottom, respectively. On the left side of the bell, the phrase ‘E Pluribus Unum’ is present. Meanwhile, an eagle is on the right side.
How Much Is A 1957 Half Dollar?
Now that we know the information about this coin, let’s get into its value and auction records. Of course, there is an estimate in the market, but few coins can go much above that. So, let’s explore what it takes to be a more valuable 1957 Half Dollar.
| 1957 MS Half Dollar Grading and Value | ||
| Grading | 1957 P | 1957 D |
| Good | $9.50 | $9.50 |
| Fine | $9.70 | $9.70 |
| Extremely Fine | $10.00 | $10.00 |
| MS 50 | $10.25 | $10.25 |
| MS 58 | $11.50 | $11.50 |
| MS 60 | $17.50 | $17.00 |
| MS 61 | $20.00 | $20.00 |
| MS 62 | $22.00 | $22.00 |
| MS 63 | $23.00 | $23.00 |
| MS 64 | $30.00 | $30.00 |
| MS 65 | $48.00 | $45.00 |
| MS 66 | $85.00 | $100.00 |
| MS 67 | $660.00 | $1950.00 |
| MS 67+ | $1150.00 | / |
In 1957, the Philadelphia Mint produced a slightly increased amount of half dollars compared to the year before. Quality was not a priority in production, and most displayed relatively weak strikes. Along with that are heavier marks from the worn dies.
MS-66 grades are readily available, although FBL coins occur far less frequently. All of that said, you’ll notice that the 1957 P Half Dollar has a lower value than the D one. Especially starting from the MS-65 Grade.
1957 P Half Dollar Value
The 1957 P Half Dollar from the Philadelphia Mint does not sport a mint mark. For this particular year, they produced 5,114,000 for Regular Strike, with 1,247,952 being Proof coins.
Although lower in quantity than the Denver production, coins from this series don’t have a higher value. This is due to the lower quality strike from the Philadelphia Mint. A Regular Strike (MS) coin can have a price of $9.50 to $1,150.00.
Also, the 1957 P Half Dollar does not have a toned version from the Uncirculated Mint Set. This is due to the Philadelphia Mint just serving as a supplement in production. So, all of the toned coins came from the Denver Mint.
1957 D Half Dollar Value
This issue had an unusually high mintage for the period and was subject to better quality control than coins produced at the Philadelphia Mint. Certified coins in grades MS-66 or higher are pretty typical for this year with and without FBL.
A lot of these coins have excellent toning as a result of having been sold in Mint Sets from the following year. The toning on some of these coins will be pretty noticeable due to them being especially taken straight from the Mint Uncirculated Set. This has been a common practice ever since 1947, which was when mint sets were introduced.
The ‘D’ Mint Mark for the 1957 Franklin Half Dollar can go from $9.50 to $1950.00. As you might notice, it’s higher than the P series. It’s because the Denver Mint produced more highly valued coins that year, at a total of 19,966,850.
1957 Half Dollar Full Bell Line Value
The Full Bell Line acts as a higher version of the other coins due to its reverse side. This line is made for many collectors, featuring a more high-quality die. It also has a more polished look than the Regular Strike.
| 1957 MS FBL Half Dollar Grading and Value | ||
| Grading | Philadelphia | Denver |
| MS FT 60 | $22.00 | $22.00 |
| MS FT 61 | $23.00 | $23.00 |
| MS FT 62 | $25.00 | $25.00 |
| MS FT 63 | $32.00 | $32.00 |
| MS FT 64 | $50.00 | $50.00 |
| MS FT 65 | $100.00 | $75.00 |
| MS FT 66 | $240.00 | $260.00 |
| MS FT 67 | $2450.00 | $4100.00 |
A Franklin Half Dollar must be uncirculated and have all the lower bands of the bell complete to receive a “Full Bell Line” designation. This signifies that the coin has an exceptional strike, with clearly defined sharp details.
With all of that in mind, a 1957 P Half Dollar Full Bell can provide the highest value at $22.00 to $2450.00. Just like the ‘P’ series, the 1957 D Half Dollar also has a Full Bell Line. It has a market price of $22.00 to $4100.00.
Despite this projected price, some coins can go above and beyond. For example, this 1957 P 50C FBL with a grade of MS-67 was sold in a 2014 auction for $5,581.25. A lot more than the NGC estimated value.
That said, going lower is also an option. This 1957D 50C FBL with an MS-67 grade only sold for $2,600.00, much lower than the estimated price.
1957 Half Dollar Error Coins
Now that we know the value of the regular coins, let’s get into the ones with errors. Here are some 1957 Half Dollar Error coin and their price.
1957 P Franklin Half Dollar Major Die Clash
This error comes from the die clash at the top part of the coin. It features an error present on the obverse and reverse side of the coin. You can get this coin for $65.00.
1957 D Franklin Half Dollar Die Break Between Bust and “R”
For $19.99, you can get this 1957 D Franklin Half Dollar with a die error. The die break happened between the bust and the ‘R’ part in ‘In God We Trust.’ So, the two elements do not have a good distinction because of the striking error.
1957 Half Dollar Melt Value
Melt value refers to the base price it can have based on the metal it contains. As stated, this coin contains 90% silver, so it has some melt value. Here are the projected Silver Melt values for the 1957 Half Dollar.
A good (G-4) circulated 1957 Half Dollar coin has worth for silver melts at $8.74 at the lowest. Coins with a fine grade and no mint mark are valued at approximately $13.50. Meanwhile, if it’s in a very fine condition and higher quality, it can go around $14.00.
This calculation is based on the current silver melt price of $24.16 per ounce.
1957 Half Dollar Grading Based On Four Conditions Value
You might want to learn the different prices of the coin based on the grading. The information below shows the signs you need to look at when grading a 1957 Half Dollar.
Uncirculated State
An MS-60 or higher is the best state to get your 1957 Half Dollar other than the MS70 Mint state. With this grading, you should expect little to no wear on the coin.
Franklin’s head appears to have no dulling of the metal, and it still has a bright silver luster. His cheek features an even texture when examined and tilted.
Extremely Fine State
You can tell whether a coin is in extremely fine condition (EF-40) by noticing if the mint luster around the edges of its design has dimmed slightly—this marks slight wear. Most of the polish should still remain, though any discoloration or dulling of the shine would show that the coin has been in circulation.
Fine State
This half-dollar is rated as Fine (F-12) and shows signs of wear. You can still make out finer details in Franklin’s hair and brow, though they may seem flattened slightly. A lot of luster has been lost, but a shine is still noticeable. All in all, the coin presents a clear appearance with all features of Franklin showing.
Good State
The wear on Franklin’s face is very evident when holding the coin up to a light and focusing on his features. His hair detail is noticeably absent from the area where it was once finely curved during production. All of these details combine to define its good condition (G-4).
What is the Highest Sale Price Achieved at Auction for a 1957 Half Dollar?
Currently, the highest value coin from the series belongs to this 1957 50C MS67+ Full Bell Lines. It was bought in an auction in August 2014 for $5,581.25, which is the highest one at the moment, according to the PCGS record.
Where is the Mint Mark on a 1957 Franklin Half Dollar?
The mint mark of the 1957 Franklin Half Dollar is on the reverse side of the coin rather than the obverse. You can find it at the top of the Liberty Bell below the letter ‘E.’ For this year, only one mint mark exists, and it’s the ‘D’ from Denver Mint.
Why is There no 1957 S Half Dollar?
From 1955 until 1968, the operation of the San Francisco Mint has been suspended. This is due to making a new building for their facility. In turn, there is no ‘S’ mint mark for the 1957 Franklin Half Dollars.
1957 Half Dollar: Where to Buy and Sell?
Buying and selling collectibles can be tricky, given the prevalence of scams on the internet. If local coin trading is not an option, you might consider platforms like eBay or other auction sites, but always ensure to use reputable sources to avoid scams. Ensure the coin is registered in the PCGS for proper grading and certification.
You can also look at the PCGS site for ongoing auctions for certain coins. You can even search by year and the series it belongs to. Leading to an easier time buying and selling 1957 Half Dollars!
In Conclusion
In conclusion, the 1957 Half Dollar is not just great for its silver content, but it also provides a good amount of value. Either by melting or trading, the 1957 Franklin Half Dollar can give a good deal. Just keep the series and grade in mind, and you can make an excellent trade for this coin!
Jenson is a professional numismatist, a dedicated coin collector, a graduate of the College of Business at Oregon State, a life member of the American Numismatic Association (ANA), and an overall coin nerd. He is the founder of Coin Value List.