Diagnostic Controls & Presets Famous 'Bugs Bunny' Die Clash
Diagnostic Forensic Readings
Forensic Attribution Diagnostic
Real-time metallurgical and die variety cross-examination verified against certified populations.
Technical Breakdown: Physics, Metallurgy & Die Diagnostics
The 1955 Franklin Half Dollar 'Bugs Bunny' variety (cataloged as FS-401) is one of the most famous and beloved die clash errors in American numismatics. Struck during a low-mintage year in Philadelphia (only 2,498,181 coins struck), an accidental high-pressure clash between the dies transferred the wing feathers of the reverse eagle directly into Benjamin Franklin's mouth profile.
Because of standard 180° coin alignment, when the dies smashed together without a planchet, the primary flight feathers of the small reverse eagle (located to the right of the Liberty Bell) struck precisely across the obverse die's upper lip cavity.
Under microscopy, the 'buck tooth' is composed of 2 to 3 raised parallel die lines measuring approximately 45 micrometers in height above the field.
To achieve the prized 'FBL' designation, both lower horizontal pass lines traversing the bottom of the Liberty Bell must be completely separated and unbroken across their full width, with zero bridging or contact dings.
Documented Benchmark Auction Records
Tied for finest certified at PCGS with Full Bell Lines. Dazzling satin white cartwheel frost with an extraordinarily sharp clash tooth.
Superb gem certified with CAC green bean approval. Flawless cheek with razor-clean lower bell lines.
Choice gem of the secondary 1956 clash variety showing clear wing-feather clash transfer across Franklin's lips.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes the 'Bugs Bunny' variety on the Franklin Half Dollar?
The 'Bugs Bunny' variety was created when the obverse and reverse dies collided without a blank planchet between them. The wing feathers of the small reverse eagle struck directly into Franklin's upper lip on the obverse die, producing raised lines that make Franklin look like he has cartoon buck teeth.
What years did the 'Bugs Bunny' variety occur?
The primary and most famous 'Bugs Bunny' is the 1955 issue (FS-401). Similar die clashes also occurred in 1956 and on some proof half dollars, but the 1955 issue is the most prominent and valuable.
What does 'Full Bell Lines' (FBL) mean?
FBL is a special strike designation awarded by PCGS and NGC to uncirculated Franklin half dollars where the lower horizontal pass lines across the bottom of the Liberty Bell are fully split, continuous, and completely separated with no flat spots.
Why is the 1955 Franklin Half Dollar a low-mintage key date?
Only 2,498,181 Franklin half dollars were struck in Philadelphia in 1955, making it the second-lowest regular-issue business mintage of the entire Franklin series (second only to the 1953-S).
How can you detect an artificially tooled 'Bugs Bunny' fake?
Fraudsters occasionally use jewelers' gravers to cut a fake tooth onto a normal 1955 half dollar. Under magnification, an authentic die clash tooth is RAISED with smooth, rounded die-flow contours, whereas a fake is INCUSE (scratched into the metal) with ragged displaced burrs.
How much is a 1955 Bugs Bunny Franklin Half Dollar worth?
A circulated specimen trades for $35 to $60. In Mint State 64, it sells for around $300; in MS-65FBL, it commands $4,000 to $4,500; and top-pop MS-66FBL gems have realized over $14,000 at auction.
Did the Mint notice the clash?
Yes. Mint workers noticed the clash and attempted to polish the dies to remove the marks. Coins struck before the polishing show the full 'Bugs Bunny' teeth, while later strikes show faint or partially polished-away teeth.