The 'Bugs Bunny Coin' Mystery: Why This Franklin Half Dollar Could Be Your Hidden Treasure

If you’ve been collecting coins or stumbling upon vintage currency, there’s a peculiar variant of the Franklin Half Dollar that numismatists have nicknamed after the famous cartoon character. This isn’t about an intentional design choice — it’s the result of a rare minting error that transformed Benjamin Franklin’s visage into something unexpectedly comical.

How the Error Created an Unlikely Celebrity Comparison

The Franklin Half Dollar, minted between 1948 and 1963, typically features Benjamin Franklin’s refined profile on the obverse side. However, during production runs in certain years, a die clash error occurred when the reverse die’s eagle wings made an impression on the obverse die near Franklin’s mouth area. This mishap created the appearance of protruding front teeth on Franklin’s portrait, bear a striking resemblance to Bugs Bunny’s iconic buck teeth.

The phenomenon wasn’t isolated to a single year. According to numismatic records, this error appeared repeatedly across multiple production years, though the 1955 and 1956 Franklin Half Dollar specimens represent the most notable and pronounced examples of this peculiar defect. Interestingly, these years aligned with the peak popularity of Bugs Bunny in Looney Tunes cartoons, giving the error its enduring nickname.

What Makes These Coins Valuable?

The monetary value of a Bugs Bunny coin depends significantly on its preservation grade. The 1955 Franklin Half Dollar holds particular importance as it represents the lowest mintage figure in the entire series, with only 48,200 coins produced. This rarity factor, combined with the error characteristics, creates substantial value potential.

Premium-condition uncirculated specimens of the 1955 variety command prices up to $1,950, while Full Bell Line examples (coins showing complete Liberty Bell details on the reverse) have sold for as much as $5,000. For those with circulated or good condition examples, the pricing drops considerably — typically ranging from $50 to $100 for 1955 coins and $65 to $130 for 1956 specimens.

Identifying Your Potential Treasure

The key to spotting a Bugs Bunny coin involves examining Franklin’s mouth area closely. Look for that characteristic tooth-like protrusion that disrupts the otherwise smooth profile. Since all Franklin Half Dollars were struck from 90% silver, even standard versions possess intrinsic metal value, but the presence of the die clash error significantly amplifies a coin’s worth.

Check your collection or inheritance carefully — if you possess an uncirculated 1955 or 1956 Franklin Half Dollar with visible die clash characteristics and full bell line detail, your casual family keepsake could represent a four-figure asset.