The 1958 Type 2 Franklin Half Dollar is worth anywhere from $12 in worn condition to over $1,200 in high mint state grades. If you have recently inherited a collection or found an old silver coin in a drawer, understanding the distinct “Type 2” variety is the key to unlocking its true market value.
Identifying the Rare 1958 Type 2 Franklin Half Dollar Variety
When you look at a Franklin Half Dollar from 1958, you might think they all look the same at first glance. However, collectors pay close attention to the reverse side of the coin, specifically the eagle to the right of the Liberty Bell. If you want to know exactly what you have, using a top coin identifier app is the fastest way to spot these subtle differences without needing a magnifying glass.
The 1958 Type 2 variety is actually a “proof-style” design that was accidentally used on business-strike coins intended for circulation. On a standard Type 1 coin, the eagle’s wing feathers are faint and the overall detail is soft. On the much rarer Type 2 variety, the eagle features distinct, sharp feathers with four parallel lines clearly visible on the right wing. This small minting error has turned a common silver coin into a sought-after treasure for numismatists.
Because these variations are hard to spot with the naked eye, many people use the CoinHix app to zoom in on the eagle’s plumage. By comparing your coin to high-resolution images, you can determine if your 1958 half dollar is the common version or the valuable Type 2 rarity that collectors are hunting for.
The Current Market Value of 1958 Franklin Half Dollars
The value of any 1958 Franklin Half Dollar starts with its silver content. Since these coins are 90% silver, they will always be worth a “melt value” that fluctuates with the price of precious metals. However, the numismatic value—what a collector will pay—is often much higher than the scrap price. Most circulated 1958 halves sell for about $12 to $15, but uncirculated specimens command a significant premium.
For those curious about the specific price points for various conditions, checking a detailed 1958 Franklin Half Dollar price chart can provide real-time data on what these coins are fetching at auction. A Type 2 coin in Mint State 65 (MS65) can easily break the $500 mark, while the common Type 1 in the same grade might only bring $30.
To get an accurate estimate of what your specific coin might be worth to a dealer or an online buyer, you can reference this current 1958 half dollar value guide which breaks down the differences between the Philadelphia and Denver mint marks. Generally, coins with no mint mark (Philadelphia) are the ones that feature the valuable Type 2 variety.
| Condition / Grade | 1958 Type 1 (Standard) | 1958 Type 2 (Rare) |
|---|---|---|
| Circulated (Average Wear) | $12.00 – $15.00 | $25.00 – $45.00 |
| About Uncirculated (AU58) | $18.00 | $80.00 |
| Mint State (MS63) | $25.00 | $250.00 |
| Gem Mint State (MS65) | $45.00 | $650.00+ |
| Superb Gem (MS66+) | $150.00 | $1,200 – $3,000+ |
Why the 1958 Type 2 Half Dollar Is So Special
The Benjamin Franklin Half Dollar series ran from 1948 to 1963, but 1958 is one of the most historically interesting years for the Philadelphia mint. During this year, mint employees accidentally used a die intended for Proof coins (the high-shine versions made specifically for collectors) to strike regular coins intended for the public’s pockets.
Experts estimate that only a small percentage of the 1958 Philadelphia mintage consists of these Type 2 coins. Because the difference is so subtle—centered on the sharpness of the eagle’s feathers—thousands of these coins likely sat in banks or were spent on groceries without anyone ever noticing their rarity.
If you are looking at your coin and can’t tell the difference, the CoinHix app can help you identify the “four lines” on the eagle’s right wing. If those lines are crisp and deep, you aren’t just holding $12 worth of silver; you are holding a “transition” error that is a centerpiece for many Franklin Half Dollar collections.
Factors That Influence Your 1958 Silver Half Dollar Value
Beyond the Type 1 vs. Type 2 distinction, several other factors will determine if your coin is a “treasure” or just “junk silver.” The most important factor is the grade, which measures how much wear the coin has sustained. A coin that looks like it just came from the mint, with its original “luster” or shine intact, will always be worth significantly more than a dull, scratched coin.
Luster is a delicate thing; if you try to clean your coin to make it look newer, you will actually destroy its value. Collectors prefer a coin with natural aging, known as “toning,” over a coin that has been scrubbed with baking soda or metal polish. If you find a 1958 half dollar with beautiful rainbow colors on the surface, don’t wash it! That natural oxidation can actually add hundreds of dollars to the price.
Another factor is the “Bell Lines.” If you look at the bottom of the Liberty Bell on the reverse side, you will see horizontal lines. If those lines are complete and uninterrupted by scratches or weak striking, the coin is designated as “FBL” (Full Bell Lines). A 1958 Type 2 with Full Bell Lines is an extremely rare combination that can sell for several thousand dollars at a professional coin auction.
How to Sell Your 1958 Franklin Half Dollar for the Best Price
Once you have identified your coin using CoinHix and determined its potential grade, you need to decide where to sell it. If your coin is a standard Type 1 in worn condition, your local coin shop is the best place. They will usually pay you the current silver melt value or slightly above.
However, if you believe you have found a Type 2 variety, you should consider having the coin “certified” by a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC. A certified Type 2 coin is much easier to sell on eBay or through a specialized auction house because the buyer has a guarantee of the coin’s authenticity and grade.
For everyday Americans, the best first step is to document the coin. Take high-quality photos in natural light and compare them to known examples of the Type 2 variety. Knowing the difference between a $12 silver coin and a $1,000 collector’s item can make a massive difference in your personal finances, so take the time to inspect your 1958 half dollars carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I tell if my 1958 Half Dollar is a Type 2?
A: Look at the eagle on the back. A Type 2 coin has very sharp details on the eagle’s wings, specifically four distinct, parallel lines on the right wing (the wing on your left). A Type 1 coin will look smooth or “flat” in that area.
Q: Does a 1958-D Half Dollar have a Type 2 variety?
A: No, the Type 2 variety is only found on 1958 half dollars minted in Philadelphia (those with no mint mark). Denver (D) coins from 1958 do not have this specific proof-die variety.
Q: Is it worth getting a 1958 Franklin Half Dollar graded?
A: It is only worth the cost of grading (which is about $30-$50) if the coin is either a Type 2 variety or in exceptionally high uncirculated condition (MS65 or better). Circulated Type 1 coins are generally not worth the grading fees.
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1958 Franklin Half Dollar?
A: The mint mark is located on the reverse side, just above the center of the Liberty Bell’s yoke. If there is a small “D,” it was made in Denver. If there is no letter, it was made in Philadelphia.
