In the 1970s and 1980s I had the opportunity to visit the Philadelphia Mint several times, camera in hand, and look around behind the scenes. Visiting the Engraving Department was always enjoyable. Chief Engraver Frank Gasparro became a fine friend as did his successor, Elizabeth Jones. After Jones departed in 1992 the Treasury Department decided that it no longer needed a chief engraver. Apparently, art had reached such a high level (?) that such an office was not needed. Later, dozens and dozens of sculptors and artists were commissioned by the Mint, including as part of the Artists Infusion Program. To see the results of what they did go to the back of the Guide Book and check out the commemoratives issued in recent decades. (Years later the talented John Mercanti would take the title of chief engraver.)

I remember a Mint visit in the late 1980s when Elizabeth Jones hosted me. I brought Bill Fivaz along and he enjoyed the experience. We went into a vault where Elizabeth showed us galvanos and plasters (oversize examples of proposed designs, which, if adopted, would be reduced in size on a transfer lathe). I snapped pictures of quite a few unusual items.

Among these was a proposal made in 1947 for the Franklin half dollar, illustrated here. As it turned out, no 1947-dated Franklin halves were ever made. When the design first appeared in circulation in 1948 the obverse was somewhat different. The work is that of the late Chief Engraver John R. Sinnock. Very few people have ever seen the 1947 version.

Franklin halves were turned out each year from 1948 onward, with Proofs starting in 1950. Then on November 22, 1963, a tragedy occurred as a presidential motorcade passed through Dallas, Texas. In the Treasury Department discussions were held, and it was decided to replace Ben Franklin on the half dollar with the image of the martyred John F. Kennedy. The rest is history.

Today, Franklin halves from 1948 to 1963 are very popular. A nice thing about the series is that all are affordable in choice and gem Mint State. You might check out the possibilities and build a set.

However, I mention a coin I have never seen, but which probably exists. Lester Merkin, remembered as one of the most admired professional numismatists of his time, told me that one day a gentleman came to his office with two 1964-dated Franklin halves. Hmmmm. Very interesting!