The Franklin Half Dollar entered production in 1948, it was designed by John R. Sinnock, whose initials appear below Franklin's Shoulder. The Liberty Bell Design is similar to the design used by Sinnock on the 1926 Sesquicentennial of American Independence commemorative half dollar. The Franklin Half Dollar weighs 12.50 grams and is composed of .900 Silver, .100 Copper (net silver weight .36169 oz). The Franklin Half Dollar has a diameter of 30.6 mm with a reeded edge. The Franklin Half Dollar was minted in Philadelphia, Denver & San Francisco; Proof coins were struck in Philadelphia, Uncirculated coins were struck in Philadelphia and Denver.

Significant controversy surrounded the release of the Franklin Half Dollar's designer's initials on the Obverse of the coin. John R. Sinnock designed the Roosevelt Dime 2 years prior and placed his initials "JS" on the dime. Due to the tension of the Cold War at the time, many people believe that the "JS" on the Roosevelt Dime was inserted by a Soviet Spy at the mint and that the initials stood for Josef Stalin. When Sinnock designed the Franklin Half Dollar he instead used his full initials "JRS" to clear up any rumors about Soviet infiltration at the US Mint.

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