1962 Half Dollar Value: What Is Your Franklin Worth?

1962 Half Dollar Value Chart at a Glance

For a thorough step-by-step walkthrough, see this complete 1962 half dollar identification guide with grade photos for full numismatic context. The table below summarizes key values across all major varieties and conditions.

Values based on recent PCGS auction data, Greysheet CPG, and CoinValues.com. ⭐ = signature variety (FBL). Deep Cameo row highlighted in orange-red.

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The Valuable 1962 Half Dollar Errors (Complete Guide)

The 1962 Franklin half dollar has several documented error and variety types that can multiply a coin's value far beyond its silver melt floor. The five varieties below are ranked in order of collector demand and price premium, from the most iconic to an underappreciated sleeper. Each has specific visual diagnostics you can check at home with a loupe.

Full Bell Lines (FBL)

MOST FAMOUS $60 – $18,600+

The Full Bell Lines designation is awarded by PCGS and NGC to Franklin half dollars whose reverses show two complete, sharp, unbroken horizontal lines running across the lower portion of the Liberty Bell. This is not an error — it is a strike quality designation earned only by coins produced from fresh, sharp-relief dies at the very start of a die's service life.

The 1962-P is one of the most condition-elusive FBL dates in the entire series. PCGS has noted that only the 1952-S, the ultra-rare 1953-S, and the 1963 have lower FBL populations among all business-strike Franklin halves. No 1962 Philadelphia coin (FBL or not) has ever been graded above MS-66 at PCGS, making a gem-quality FBL example genuinely rare in an absolute sense.

The collector premium for FBL is dramatic. A non-FBL 1962-P in MS65 might bring $50–$115. The same coin with FBL jumps to $115–$375 at MS65, and a rare MS66 FBL example fetched $18,600 at Stack's Bowers in April 2025. Even the higher-mintage 1962-D FBL commands substantial premiums, with Greysheet valuing MS66 FBL examples in the multi-thousand dollar range.

How to spot it

Under a 10× loupe, examine the lower portion of the Liberty Bell reverse. Look for two distinct horizontal lines running cleanly across the full width of the bell. Both must be complete with no breaks or merging with the bell outline.

Mint mark

Philadelphia (no mint mark) and Denver (D) — both issues exist; Philadelphia FBL is significantly rarer.

Notable

PCGS-certified population of 1962-P FBL coins in MS65 and MS66 is extremely small — approximately 7 in MS66 FBL per Heritage data. The all-time auction record of $18,600 was set at Stack's Bowers in April 2025 (PCGS MS66+FBL).

Proof Deep Cameo (DCAM)

RAREST $225 – $25,000+

The 1962 proof Franklin half dollar was struck in record numbers — 3,218,019 pieces, the highest proof mintage in the Franklin series. The challenge is that this enormous production required constant die use, and the delicate acid-frosted surfaces that create cameo contrast wear away after only the first few dozen strikes from a given die set. This means the vast majority of 1962 proofs are "brilliant" standard proofs without meaningful contrast.

Deep Cameo (DCAM) examples show intense "black-and-white" contrast: the coin's fields appear as near-black mirrors while Franklin's portrait and the Liberty Bell glow with brilliant, unbroken frost. PCGS awarded the DCAM designation to only a tiny fraction of certified examples — in PR67 DCAM, only 62 examples existed in their population as of late 2023, compared to over 15,000 standard PR67 proofs. PR69 DCAM examples number fewer than a handful.

The value curve is steep. A standard PR67 proof sells for around $42. A PR67 Deep Cameo brings approximately $1,150 — a 27-fold premium for the same technical grade. A PR69 DCAM can reach $25,000, reflecting the extraordinary rarity of combining top-tier technical perfection with maximum cameo contrast on a coin produced before modern frost-preservation techniques were developed.

How to spot it

Hold the proof coin under a single bright light and tilt it. Deep Cameo: fields appear almost black and reflective, while Franklin's portrait and the Liberty Bell appear brilliant white and thick-frosted. Standard proofs lack this strong contrast entirely.

Mint mark

Philadelphia only (no mint mark). All 1962 proof coins were struck exclusively at Philadelphia.

Notable

PCGS PR69 DCAM population: approximately 4 certified examples as of late 2023. GreatCollections has sold examples at prices up to $7,150. PCGS designates this variety as DCAM; NGC uses the equivalent "Ultra Cameo" (UCAM) designation.

Bugs Bunny Die Clash (FS-401)

MOST RECOGNIZABLE $55 – $500+

The Bugs Bunny variety is caused by a die clash — an event that occurs when the obverse and reverse dies strike each other without a planchet between them. During this accidental contact, the reverse die transfers a faint mirror image of its design onto the obverse die. Specifically, the outline of the small spread-wing eagle from the reverse lands on the obverse die in the area of Franklin's lower face.

When coins are subsequently struck from this clashed obverse die, the transferred eagle outline appears as raised lines near Franklin's lips that resemble buck teeth — giving rise to the "Bugs Bunny" nickname. The clash marks are visible near the mouth under magnification, though strong examples can be seen with careful naked-eye inspection in good lighting. This is a PCGS-cataloged variety designated FS-401.

Bugs Bunny Franklins exist across multiple dates in the series (1955–1963), but the 1962 example is among the more frequently encountered. PCGS CoinFacts records an auction record of $300 at MS65 on eBay in May 2019. Coins with the FBL designation and the Bugs Bunny clash simultaneously are extremely rare and command significant premiums as combined varieties. The Greysheet notes standard non-FBL values from $55 to $315 depending on grade clarity.

How to spot it

Under 5–10× magnification, examine the area between Franklin's chin and lower lip on the obverse. Look for raised diagonal lines or an arch shape resembling teeth or an eagle's wing outline. The effect is faint on worn examples.

Mint mark

Philadelphia (no mint mark) only. The Bugs Bunny clash is a Philadelphia die-state variety cataloged as FS-401 by PCGS and CONECA.

Notable

PCGS CoinFacts auction record: $300 at MS65, eBay, May 2019. Greysheet CPG values the standard non-FBL variety from $55 (worn) to $315 (gem). FBL examples of this clash variety are listed separately as FS-401 FBL with no established pricing due to extreme rarity.

Obverse Die Clash FS-402

BEST KEPT SECRET $55 – $315+

The FS-402 obverse die clash is a second documented die-clash variety for the 1962 Philadelphia issue. Like the Bugs Bunny variety (FS-401), it results from the obverse die contacting the reverse die without a planchet. However, the FS-402 clash manifests in a different area of the obverse and with different transferred design elements than the "teeth" appearance of FS-401. The clash marks appear in the coin's open fields rather than directly on Franklin's portrait.

This variety was cataloged separately in the Cherrypickers' Guide to Rare Die Varieties because the diagnostic features are distinct from those of the FS-401 Bugs Bunny clash. Visually, collectors look for faint raised outlines or curved lines in the obverse field areas — particularly in the open space to the left and right of Franklin's bust. These transferred elements come from the lettering and design features of the reverse die.

The FS-402 commands a modest premium over a standard 1962-P half dollar. Greysheet CPG prices the non-FBL FS-402 variety from $55 to $315, making it accessible for collectors who enjoy variety hunting without the extreme price pressure of FBL specimens. Its relatively approachable value makes it an ideal "cherrypicking" target — most coin dealers and casual sellers will not identify or price it separately from a common business strike.

How to spot it

Under a 10× loupe, look in the open obverse fields on either side of Franklin's bust for faint raised transfer lines or outlines that do not belong to the coin's normal design elements. Compare to a reference image of an uncashed example.

Mint mark

Philadelphia (no mint mark) only. This is a die-state variety from the Philadelphia Mint's production dies, cataloged as PCGS FS-402.

Notable

Greysheet CPG values: $55–$315 for non-FBL MS grades. The FBL version (FS-402 FBL) has no established pricing due to rarity. Cataloged by CONECA and the Cherrypickers' Guide. Affordable entry point for Franklin variety collectors at lower MS grades.

Repunched Mint Mark FS-501 / FS-502 (1962-D)

HIDDEN GEM $30 – $200+

Repunched mint marks (RPMs) occur when the mint mark punch is applied to a working die twice — each application landing in a slightly different position. The result is a secondary "ghost" impression of the letter D visible alongside, overlapping, or partially behind the primary D mint mark. For the 1962-D Franklin half dollar, two distinct RPM varieties are cataloged by CONECA and the Cherrypickers' Guide.

FS-501 shows the secondary D to the east (right) of the primary D, while FS-502 shows the secondary D to the southeast (below and to the right). On the 1962-D, the mint mark appears on the reverse above the Liberty Bell's wooden yoke, making it accessible for examination under a loupe without disassembling a holder. The secondary impression is described as a partial "shadow" or outline offset to one side and is identifiable once the collector knows where to look.

These RPMs command modest premiums — typically 50–150% over the standard 1962-D value in the same grade. Their approachable price range ($30–$200 depending on condition and clarity of the repunching) makes them popular among collectors who enjoy variety hunting in common-date material. A strong, clearly doubled mint mark under magnification is the most important factor in achieving the top end of the value range.

How to spot it

With a 5–10× loupe, examine the D mint mark on the reverse, above the Liberty Bell yoke. Look for a secondary outline or partial letter D visible to the right (FS-501) or to the lower right (FS-502) of the primary D. The secondary image appears as a "shadow" or offset serif.

Mint mark

Denver (D) only — this is a Denver Mint working-die variety. The FS-501 and FS-502 designations apply exclusively to 1962-D business strikes.

Notable

Cataloged as FS-501 and FS-502 by CONECA in the Cherrypickers' Guide. Both varieties are identifiable without magnification once the diagnostic features are understood. Market values of $30–$200 reflect modest collector demand with a broad range tied to how boldly the repunching shows.

1962 Half Dollar Mintage & Survival Data

How to Grade Your 1962 Franklin Half Dollar

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Where to Sell Your Valuable 1962 Half Dollar

Frequently Asked Questions — 1962 Half Dollar

How much is a 1962 half dollar worth?
Most circulated 1962 Franklin half dollars are worth roughly $12–$35, close to their silver melt value. Uncirculated examples range from about $30 to several hundred dollars. The most valuable are those with the Full Bell Lines (FBL) designation — a gem MS66 FBL example sold for $18,600 at Stack's Bowers in April 2025. Proof coins with Deep Cameo contrast can also reach thousands of dollars in top grades.
What does Full Bell Lines (FBL) mean on a Franklin half dollar?
Full Bell Lines (FBL) describes a coin whose reverse Liberty Bell shows two complete, unbroken horizontal lines across its lower portion. Because Franklin halves were struck with soft dies and traded heavily as silver bags, most examples have weakness in those bell lines. The FBL designation is awarded by PCGS and NGC only to coins that pass a strict strike-quality check. FBL coins command premiums of 5× to 30× over non-FBL equivalents.
Is the 1962 Philadelphia half dollar rare with Full Bell Lines?
Yes — the 1962-P is one of the rarest FBL issues in the entire Franklin half dollar series. PCGS data shows that only the 1952-S, the 1953-S, and the 1963 have lower FBL populations. No 1962 Philadelphia half dollar (FBL or non-FBL) has ever been certified above MS-66 by PCGS, making an MS66 or MS66+ FBL example extraordinarily rare and valuable.
What is the Bugs Bunny error on the 1962 half dollar?
The Bugs Bunny error (PCGS FS-401) is caused by a die clash: the obverse die struck the reverse die without a planchet between them, transferring a faint outline of the small eagle onto the obverse. The eagle's image lands near Franklin's mouth, creating the appearance of buck teeth — hence "Bugs Bunny." PCGS has cataloged this variety as FS-401. Auction records show examples selling in the $100–$500 range depending on grade and clarity of the clash.
What are the mintage numbers for 1962 Franklin half dollars?
Three issues were produced in 1962: the Philadelphia business strike with 9,714,000 pieces; the Denver business strike with 35,473,281 pieces; and the Philadelphia proof issue with 3,218,019 pieces — the highest proof mintage in the entire Franklin half dollar series. Combined, over 48 million coins were struck for 1962, making circulation examples common but gem-quality examples scarce.
How do I tell a 1962 Philadelphia half dollar from a 1962 Denver half dollar?
Look at the reverse side of the coin, just above the Liberty Bell's wooden yoke (the horizontal crossbar near the bottom of the bell). A "D" mint mark indicates the Denver Mint. No mint mark means it was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, which did not use a "P" mint mark on half dollars during this era. The Denver issue had more than 35 million pieces struck, versus only 9.7 million for Philadelphia.
Are 1962 proof Franklin half dollars valuable?
Standard 1962 proof half dollars sell for $20–$95 in typical PR65–PR68 condition. Value rises dramatically with cameo contrast designations. A PR67 Deep Cameo (DCAM) can bring around $1,150, and a PR68 DCAM can reach approximately $2,800. PR69 DCAM examples — with only about 4 certified by PCGS — have sold for up to $25,000. Deep Cameo coins are valuable because the heavy proof mintage wore the die frost quickly.
Is a 1962 half dollar made of silver?
Yes. All 1962 Franklin half dollars — Philadelphia business strikes, Denver business strikes, and Philadelphia proofs — are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. Each coin weighs 12.50 grams and contains 0.36169 troy ounces of pure silver. At current silver prices, the melt value floor sits around $12–$35 depending on the spot price, ensuring that even worn examples retain meaningful intrinsic value.
What is the Repunched Mint Mark (RPM) error on the 1962-D half dollar?
The 1962-D Repunched Mint Mark (RPM) occurs when the "D" punch was applied to the working die in two slightly different positions, leaving a secondary "D" impression visible alongside the primary one. Two cataloged varieties exist: FS-501, where the secondary "D" appears to the east (right) of the primary, and FS-502, where it appears to the southeast. These are identified with a loupe and typically sell for a modest premium over standard examples.
Should I clean my 1962 half dollar before selling it?
Never clean a 1962 half dollar. Cleaning removes the original luster and mint surfaces, destroying numismatic value entirely. PCGS and NGC will not grant Mint State grades to cleaned coins — they issue a "Details" designation instead, which drastically lowers resale value. A naturally toned, uncleaned coin in AU or Mint State condition is always worth more than a cleaned equivalent. If you believe you have a valuable coin, submit it directly to a grading service.