Franklin Half Dollar Errors

Franklin Silver Half Dollar Errors, Varieties, and Value

microscopic image of blue arrows noting the buck teeth error displaying on the 1955 silver franklin half dollar coin

Famed by the name Bugs Bunny Ben Franklin half dollar, this silver coin is one of the most iconic and sought after 1955 Franklin half dollar errors in numismatics.

Keep scrolling to see the current value price chart, and how to identify rare Franklin half dollar rarity coins like the Bugs Bunny clash error and Full Bell Lines too.

macro image of 1955 Franklin Half Dollars (1948–1963) and are 90% silver having a standard weight of 12.50 grams

Franklin Half Dollar Variety Coin Value Chart

Year / VarietyCondition/GradeRecent Value (2025-2026)
1955 "Bugs Bunny" FS-401MS67 (Top Grade)$3,120.00
1955 "Bugs Bunny" FS-401Raw / Lower Grade$25.00 – $30.00
Standard Franklin HalfAverage CirculatedSilver 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.

How to Identify the Bugs Bunny Half Dollar

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.

Furthermore, a 10x loupe is enough to view it, but I used a mobile phone and a Carson zOrb USB digital coin microscope to capture these photos.

The impact results in a raised portion on Franklin’s upper lip, resembling the famous Bugs Bunny cartoon character’s buck teeth. 

Note the arrows noting the eagle’s wing imprint creating a buck tooth appearance on Franklin’s top lip.

microscopic image of the ben franklin silver half dollar error coin

Find Wrong Planchet Coin 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. Moreover, you’ll only find those on any coin 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:

microscopic image of the date 1955 on a us silver half dollar coin
  • 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.
macro image of the reverse of a silver Benjamin franklin half dollar coin featuring the liberty bell

Collecting silver Dollars

If you’re interested in collecting this unique error coin, here are some tips. 

Attend coin shows to look for more Franklin half dollar errors, 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

Because 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, it may appear to the naked eye as vampire teeth.

Bugs Bunny Half Dollar Examination

As shown in the coin chart 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 clashed dies.  Furthermore, a rare 1955 Ben Franklin Bugs Bunny half dollar graded MS67, sold for $3,120.00!  That’s a very valuable silver fifty cent coin!

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Most Valuable Silver coins

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 the video clip.  Then, I used a Digital USB Carson zOrb microscope to capture the up close microscopic photos of the buck teeth clashed die.

How to Identify Franklin Half Dollar Full Bell Line Designations

Moreover, 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.

Morgan Silver Dollars Worth More than Melt Value

The Most Valuable Silver Morgan Dollars

macro image of a Morgan Silver Dollar VAM variety and error coin with value

The most valuable Morgan Silver dollars, minted from 1878 to 1921, are captivating pieces of American numismatic history. 

 

Beyond their silver value, certain errors and varieties within the Morgan dollar series are highly sought-after by coin collectors.  They’re the type of coins you want to cosign with an auctioneer to sell.

morgan silver dollars

VAM Varieties of Morgan Dollars Worth More than Silver Melt Value

Plus, VAMs are designated varieties worth a lot more than just silver melt value.  Keep scrolling to learn all you need to know about Morgan dollar specifications and current market value.  Check out this clip of Pawn Stars with a silver coin owner not ready to part with his own investment first.

Morgan Dollar Value Guide

Year / MintVariety Name2026 Value (MS65+)Market Trend
1878-P8 Tail Feathers (VAM 9)$2,350+Trending Up
1888-O"Scarface" (VAM 1B)$2,800+Stable High
1891-CC"Spitting Eagle" (VAM 4)$3,800+High Demand
1900-OO over CC (VAM 7)$1,450+Rare Strike
1921-P"Pitted HE" Variety$850+Collector Fav
Clashed Die Errors on Morgan Dollars

A die clash error occurs when a die collides with another die that isn’t holding a planchet.  The design elements from the clashed die become faintly impressed on the next coin minted, creating a ghostly image.  

 
Microscopic image of rare morgan dollar VAM featuring a die clash

Clashed die errors on Morgan dollars may be subtle or prominent, and their value depends on the clarity of the clash marks and the specific dies involved, as well as condition of the coin.

Weight Verification of Morgan Dollars

Morgan Silver Dollars fetch impressive prices. Every authentic Morgan Silver Dollar weighs exactly 26.73 grams with a tolerance of ±0.5g for wear. The standard diameter is 38.1 mm. Weigh it using a digital coin scale because it helps discover the wrong planchet errors as well as detect any counterfeit Morgan Dollar coins.

Silver Dollar VAM Varieties

A significant category of Morgan dollar rarities falls under the umbrella of VAM (Van Allen Mallis) varieties. These varieties encompass subtle die imperfections, doubled elements, or repunched mintmarks of distinctive characteristics create additional value.

Eight Tail Feathers VAM Variety

The 1878-P 7/8 Tail Feathers variety features a Morgan dollar with eight tail feathers on the reverse instead of the usual seven, as noted in the image above.

The 8TF designation refers to the eight tail feathers on the eagle depicted on the reverse of the coin, which was a mistake in the die that was soon fixed, causing a few varieties of Morgan Dollars. 

Microscopic image of a silver morgan dollar featuring doubling of liberty on the obverse of the coin

Identifying VAMs requires up close examination with a magnifying glass or loupe, and it’s worth the investment as some varieties are incredibly valuable.

microscopic image of doubling of the stars on the obverse of an 1878 morgan dollar doubled die coin error

Morgan Dollar Doubled Dies

Morgan dollar doubled dies occur when a mishap during the minting process results in a design element being struck twice on the coin. This creates a slightly offset or second impression of the design appearing alongside the regular strike.  There are two main types of doubled dies to look for on silver Morgan dollars.  Don’t forget to look for them on 1964 silver quarters known for valuable transitional errors!

Morgan Dollar Doubled Die Obverse

First is the Doubled Die Obverse (DDO.)   This variety involves a doubling of elements on the obverse (front) of the coin, which typically features Lady Liberty.  Moreover, look for doubling of Liberty’s tiara, facial features, stars, or the motto IN GOD WE TRUST and/or the date of the coin. 

Doubled Die Coins More Valuable than Silver Melt Value

Next is a Doubled Die Reverse (DDR.)  In other words, the doubling affects elements on the reverse (back) of the coin, showcasing the American eagle.  Doubled eagle feathers, arrows, and/or lettering within the wreath, or the denomination ONE DOLLAR are where to look for doubled elements on Morgan dollars worthy money.

Coin Roll Hunting Tips

First, do Your Research by familiarizing yourself with known varieties and errors before purchasing coin rolls of Morgan Dollars, because it’s not a cheap investment!  You must be dedicated to the tasks involved.  Numerous resources like books, blogs, online forums, and auction results can be valuable tools.  Bookmark this page too!

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For capturing the high-resolution detail of the 8 Tail Feathers or VAM Varieties, a Digital Microscope is the gold standard. Rarity is important.

 

Plus, consider the overall condition of the coin, which significantly impacts its value. A common date error in poor condition may be less valuable than a more common flawless Morgan dollar. 

Go on the hunt through original bank wrapped rolls or any newly released dates of silver dollar coins to find mint error and variety coins yet undiscovered and still in mint state condition. Attach a finder’s fee to the value and don’t short change your time and efforts.  Next check out this rare Silver Franklin Half Dollar!

Afterwards, check out this silver quarter to search for in pocket change.  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.

Wilma Mankiller Quarter Errors and Varieties

2022 Wilma Mankiller Quarter Errors, Varieties, and Values

2022 Wilma Mankiller quarter errors and varieties are collectible coins.  For instance, observe this unique 2022 American Women Quarter.

First, note the doubling displayed in two areas of this coin, at her nose, and cheek.  You’ll need a coin microscope to see this doubled die reverse coin.

These are some of a list of anomalies that make American women quarters rare and valuable.  However, a coin in pristine condition also makes it valuable.

A coin scale will help find out if it’s a wrong planchet error because a Wilma Mankiller quarter weighs 3.67 grams.

2022 Wilma Mankiller Quarter Value Chart Updated 2026

Error / VarietyDescriptionCirculatedUncirculated
Scarface ErrorMajor die crack across Wilma's cheek/face.$20 - $150$850 - $1,500+
Retained CUDRaised metal near the rim (George's head side).$50 - $300$550 - $1,000
In COD We TrustDie chip/fill making the 'G' look like a 'C'.$1 - $15$30 - $100
Deformed 'C'Die chip in the Cherokee script on reverse.$5 - $25$50 - $200
2022-S ProofSan Francisco strike found in sets.N/A$10 - $25

2022 Quarter Values

For instance, a 2022-P 25C  WM quarter graded MS64, sold for $1300.00. Moreover, a 2022-D 25C WM quarter graded MS68 sold for $2500.00.

Additionally, a 2022-S WM quarter graded MS68,sold for $1500.00.  However, those coins are in flawless mint state condition. 

2022 Wilma Mankiller Quarters

Furthermore, the best chance of finding quarter errors and varieties like these is by searching through uncirculated original bank wrapped rolls of 2022 quarters, which are for sale and available for purchase via eBay.

2022 quarter value

Moreover, observing the sold listings on eBay will give you an idea of current market value.  

Additionally, sticking 2022 mint sets under the microscope may enable you to find a rare American Women Quarter proof specimen.

Native American Cherokee Chief

Also, die cracks, die clashes, and struck-through errors are some of the other anomalies that make these error quarters rare.

As a Native American activist, social worker, and community developer, she was the first woman elected to serve as Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. 

Furthermore, as an activist, leader, and writer, she revolutionized the Cherokee healthcare system, and created long-lasting community-oriented policies.
Cherokee Traditions: Learn To Make Kanuchi

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.

Check out another 2022 error quarter Are you a fan of collecting silver coins? 

Check out the rarest Morgan Dollars

or rare bicentennial quarters still being found in pocket change.