Gold and silver numismatic commemoratives marking the 75th anniversary of the first proof Franklin half dollars in 1950 will be offered by Rare Collectibles TV (www.RareCollectiblesTV.com) with advance orders being accepted online beginning on May 1, 2025.
This exceptional offering marks the latest in a series of exclusive releases by RCTV, each of which has sold out rapidly, according to RCTV Co-Founder and renowned Franklin half dollar expert Rick Tomaska who developed the new commemoratives.
The limited-edition precious metal commemoratives that will be featured in programs on the Fox Business and Bloomberg cable television networks are struck in one-ounce gold and five-ounce silver versions. Their design is a tribute to the iconic Franklin half dollars produced by the United States Mint from 1948 to 1963.
"They highlight the timeless legacy of Benjamin Franklin, one of the most influential figures in American history," said Tomaska, author of the award-winning reference book, A Guide Book of Franklin & Kennedy Half Dollars.
"Franklin played an instrumental role in shaping the foundations of our nation. From helping draft the Declaration of Independence and later signing it, to negotiating the Treaty of Paris to end the Revolutionary War, and assisting in the creation of the United States Constitution, Franklin’s impact on our country is immeasurable. It is truly an honor to celebrate his enduring legacy with this exclusive, numismatic treasure release," stated Tomaska.
The obverse has a large portrait of Franklin facing right with the date 2025, the word LIBERTY at the top, and the motto IN GOD WE TRUST on the bottom.
The reverse depicts the Liberty Bell and an eagle, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM, and the fineness and weight of the coin; .999 SILVER FIVE TROY OUNCES or .9999 GOLD ONE TROY OUNCE, depending on the precious metal content.
"As a tribute to the low mintage of the 1950 proof Franklin half dollar, I’ve intentionally limited production of these 75th anniversary pieces to only 499 one-ounce gold and 999 five-ounce silver examples," Tomaska explained.
Expertly engraved by former United States Mint Medallic Artist, Sculptor, and Engraver Michael Gaudioso, each available Franklin commemorative has been graded Proof 70 Ultra Cameo by Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) and encapsulated with a special RCTV Signature Series insert label personally signed by Tomaska.
The Signature Series designation is a prestigious distinction reserved exclusively for coins that demonstrate unparalleled eye appeal and quality for their date and grade, and exemplify the highest standards of numismatic artistry, according to RCTV.
"As we saw with other recent RCTV exclusive limited-edition offerings celebrating the Saint Gaudens Winged Liberty, Indian Head Gold Double Eagle, and President John F. Kennedy, demand for the gold and silver Franklin commemoratives is expected to also be extremely high, with the collection anticipated to sell out quickly," Tomaska advised.
The gold and silver Franklin commemoratives will be featured on the Rare Collectibles TV television programs beginning on Saturday, May 17th on the Fox Business network at 1 pm Eastern/ 10 am Pacific time and on the Bloomberg network at 4 pm Eastern/1 pm Pacific that same day.
For additional information about the one-ounce gold and five-ounce Franklin commemoratives, current prices, and to place an order, visit www.RareCollectiblesTV.com.
The Mint should be releasing this, not a company. I was interested until I saw it was not from the Mint. Makes me wonder if the Mint is doing anything at all to mark the 75th anniversary of the Franklin half. They sure missed an opportunity if they are not.
Wholeheartedly agree Jeff! The U.S. Mint has missed the proverbial boat, once again! I wonder if these non U.S. Mint trinkets will be “Shanghai’d” and produced in China or produced by Silver Towne, Golden State Mint or possibly the Sunshine Minting company? No matter, as I’m out on this one, although I’d have seriously contemplated had it been one of our own U.S Mint offerings. I mean after all, this would have been a great way to get the juices “Flowing”‘ for our Sestercentennial, having an iconic design with one of our “Forefathers” and a “Liberty Bell”, to boot! Declaration… Read more »
Hallo cagcrisp, I miss your comments that you shared on mintnewsblog a long time ago. Is it possible that you give me an advice where to find your present comments. Here on coinnews it seems to be difficult.
Rick Tomaska is now producing commemorative Franklins? I think we all know how far down the rabbit hole the mint has fallen in recent years. But hey, we do have a SuperMan coin to look forward to…right!
Tomasaka should be ashamed of himself. I clicked on to his website and saw a bunch of over priced crap. He is similar to Littleton Coin.
I have a hard time understanding the appeal of this, it’s not a US mint product, and this whole 75th anniversary of a ‘rare’ proof coin seems kinda odd to me. and if all the coins get the same top grade, what’s the point of grading it?
I agree on all points.
Didn’t see a price can only imagine….
Glorified gold and silver rounds. Buy sovereign stuff not private mint redeuex
Words of wisdom indeed! I have yet, in my many years of life, bought anything other than a legitimate coin for my collection. Some are a bit weird…like my Ag ATB 5 ounce ‘quarters’, which cost me a whole lot more than .25c!
I know he crazy 25c value for the Ag pucks is weird. Yet, perhaps you could use the. To’pay for stuff @ face, while getting ,more than a quarter a la Ag, but reporting,the face value? Hmmm