Here's a hypothetical question for y'all to ponder. If JFK were still alive today, do you think Franklin would still grace the half dollar today or somebody else? If somebody else, then who? David
We probably would have seen clad Franklins just like the quarters. The hoarding of Kennedy's after his death, at the time frame that silver was removed from circulation, was largely responsible for halves ceasing to circulate in the US. Dave in WV
IMO, there was not a greater symbol of America than Ben Franklin. Also IMO, the JFK design was ill-advised.
How can anyone not like Ben. Not only was he one of the most amazing American's to have ever lived but he was one of the most amazing people period. I for one prefer the Franklin half dollars with the liberty bell over most U.S. coins. Would he still be on it if JFK wasn't shot, who knows. But does anyone think that JFK would have ever been on a coin if he wasn't shot. Politics aside he and khrushchev almost stumbled into a nuclear war in 1962. No wonder they were both removed from power with Kennedy in 1963 and Khrushchev in 1964.
Ben might still be with us but there would be a bill in congress sponsered by someone that wants to replace him with Ronald Reagan.
While I do not agree with the beauty of the Franklin Half Dollar, I do agree that he was an incredible man and deserving of a coin tribute. I have heard rumors about a commem with a Franklin profile?????? Who would be on it today? Bill or Hillary Clinton
I'd be guessing that we'd have Franklin Half until like 1970. In 1971 I'd guess that the half would become an Eisenhower half. I also think that the half dollar would have continued to be a widely circulating coin without the Kennedy collecting fever.
I'd like the reverse of the Franklin half a whole lot better without the eagle afterthought. Check out the original Franklin reverse on the 1926 Sesquicentennial Commemorative half dollar.
