Franklin Silver Half Dollar Errors, Varieties, and Value
Famed by the name Bugs Bunny Ben Franklin half dollar, this silver coin is one of the most iconic and sought after error coins in numismatics. The distinctive appearance of Benjamin Franklin’s buck teeth is caused by a clashed die. I used a mobile phone and a Carson zOrb USB digital coin microscope to capture these photos.
Rare Coin Variety Value Chart
| Year / Variety | Condition/Grade | Recent Value (2025-2026) |
|---|---|---|
| 1955 "Bugs Bunny" FS-401 | MS67 (Top Grade) | $3,120.00 |
| 1955 "Bugs Bunny" FS-401 | Raw / Lower Grade | $25.00 – $30.00 |
| Standard Franklin Half | Average Circulated | Silver Melt Value* |
| Key Date (1949-S/1953-S) | Mint State (MS65+) | $150.00+ (FBL) |
*Note: All Franklin Half Dollars (1948–1963) are 90% silver. Prices fluctuate based on silver spot price and certified grading. FBL = Full Bell Lines.
Highly Sought After Silver Half Dollar Coin Error
A die clash occurs when the reverse die, featuring the Liberty Bell and eagle, strikes the obverse die, featuring Franklin’s portrait, with excessive force. Plus, a 10x loupe is enough to view it.
The impact results in a raised portion on Franklin’s upper lip, resembling the famous Bugs Bunny cartoon character’s buck teeth.
Weighing Coins for Wrong Planchet Errors
All Franklin Half Dollars (1948–1963) are 90% silver and have a standard weight of 12.50 grams and diameter of 30.6 mm. Any other weight signifies a wrong planchet error coin. You find those with a digital pocket coin scale.
While the Bugs Bunny error is a relatively common die clash error compared to some other rare coin varieties, it remains highly sought after by collectors in mint state condition. The value of a specific coin depends on several factors:
- The Year and Mint Mark: Coins from certain years and mint locations are more desirable.
- Grade: The coin’s condition, as graded by services like PCGS, ANACS, or NGC, significantly impacts value.
- Severity of the Error: The more pronounced the “buck teeth” appearance, the higher the potential value.
Collecting silver Dollars
If you’re interested in collecting this unique error coin, here are some tips. Attend coin shows and visit reputable coin dealers to find desirable coin specimens. Platforms like ebay may offer opportunities to acquire Bugs Bunny Franklin silver half dollars in raw or graded condition.
1955 Bugs Bunny Franklin Half Dollar
The die-clash marks on the 1955 half dollar are from the eagle’s wing, resulting in a fang-like impression at Franklin’s mouth.
Bugs Bunny Half Dollar Examination
As shown above, a 1955 “BUGS BUNNY” FS-401 50C half dollars are rare collectible coins worth money that collectors seek out to obtain the best specimens of. For instance, a rare 1955 Ben Franklin Bugs Bunny half dollar graded MS67, sold for $3,120.00! That’s a very valuable half dollar!
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1955 Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar errors and varieties aren’t the only valuable silver error coins. Check out these rare and valuable Morgan Dollar errors and varieties! I used a phone camera to capture the macro photos and a Carson zOrb microscope to capture the up close micro photos of the buck teeth die clash.
Also check out bicentennial half dollar rarities! Finally, this website is a partnered associate and contains affiliate links, which enable me to earn commissions from various partners. Full disclosure is available here. Partners include ebay, Amazon, Google Adsense, and others.