Are there more UNC 1955 Franklins than circ's in existence?

[James_OldeTowne]

[BillJones]

In a word, YES.

 

Collectors or perhaps speculators saw the 1955 half dollar has a "semi-key" date early on and put lots of them aside. That coincided with the roll craze of the early 1960s. When the roll market hit the skids, the coins were good for silver speculation so the rolls were not broken up and spent. Therefore there are lots of Unc. 1955 half dollars around.

[DWLange]

The majority of these coins were withheld from release until 1956. They were simply not needed when struck, as their low mintage suggests. By the time they came out, every speculator had on his catcher's mit, waiting for them. The same fate befell most of the 1956 and 1958(P) halves, though to a less dramatic extent.