2026 50C 5 oz Franklin Half Dollar Coming To Life NGC MS70 Antiqued Advance Releases Gaudioso Signed X-Mint Label

The Coming To Life™ Franklin Half Dollar brings the Liberty Bell to life in dramatic three-dimensional detail as America celebrates its 250th anniversary. The series' fourth—and final 2026—release pairs a historic symbol of American independence with new sculptural depth.

Produced by XceptionalMint™, the Coming To Life series combines master engraver Michael Gaudioso's sculpting expertise with innovative Beyond Relief™ technology. His recreation of John R. Sinnock's classic reverse captures the bell's shape, texture, and famous crack—so lifelike, you can almost ring it.

Franklin Half Dollar Design

• Obverse — Right-facing profile of Benjamin Franklin, modeled on a bust by French sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon. Plain and dignified, without allegory, representing the ideal that the nation's honor rests on character and intellect.
• Reverse — The cracked Liberty Bell commands the field, its famous flaw a symbol of resilience and enduring independence. A small eagle perches beside it, added to satisfy the Coinage Act of 1873.

NGC Certification

Each coin is certified MS70 ANTIQUED by NGC. The antiqued finish gives the silver a subtle aged appearance, revealing more detail. Each coin is also designated Advance Releases with the X-Mint Coming To Life label hand-signed by Michael Gaudioso.

Beyond Relief Technology

To fully capture the sculptural depth required to bring a coin to life, conventional minting methods proved insufficient. In collaboration with specialists in minting innovation, XceptionalMint developed Beyond Relief technology.

This advanced process goes beyond traditional High Relief and Ultra-High Relief techniques, letting the design extend dramatically from the surface while preserving sharp detail and structural integrity.

Franklin Half Dollar

Struck from 1948 to 1963, the Franklin Half Dollar paired Benjamin Franklin's portrait with Philadelphia's Liberty Bell, honoring his contributions to the nation and the independence he helped secure. Designed by John R. Sinnock, the portrait was modeled on a 1778 bust of Franklin by French sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon. A small eagle beside the bell was added to satisfy the Coinage Act of 1873, which required an eagle on the reverse of several U.S. coin denominations.

About the Artist

Michael Gaudioso is one of the most respected sculptors and medallic artists in modern numismatics. During his tenure at the United States Mint from 2008 to 2020, he sculpted more than 35 coins and medals, including the reverse of the Type 2 American Silver Eagle.

Coming To Life Collection

The Coming To Life Collection reimagines classic coin designs through dramatic sculptural depth. Produced by XceptionalMint, each release pairs leading numismatic artists with innovative Beyond Relief technology to bring historic designs into vivid three-dimensional form.