The second Proof issue of its type, the 1951 was produced to the extent of 57,500 pieces. After only the first year 1950, this issue is the rarest in the Proof Franklin half dollar series. Like their 1950 predecessors, Proofs of this date are typically encountered with shallow mirrors in the fields. Additionally, the cellophane sleeves that the Mint used to package 1951 Proof sets were quite abrasive. Most coins that remained in the original packaging for an appreciable period of time have become hairlined to the point that they are in lower grades through Proof-64. Finally, Deep/Ultra Cameo-finish specimens of the Proof 1951 are nearly as rare as those of the Proof 1950, the latter issue highly regarded as a strike rarity in this regard.

The example to the left was sold by Stack's Bowers Galleries in the Spring 2022 Showcase Auction, where it realized $7,200 .