Franklin Half Specialists: Are My Eyes Just Crossed, or did NGC Get This Wrong?

brocmitchell

I'm a convert, I'll start by making this proclamation. NGC may still have its limited uses, but I think the evidence is clear PCGS is the superior service and I've been submitting to them exclusively since last year.

That being said, prior to seeing the light, I sent in a few Franklin Halves with what I was sure were Bugs Bunny errors into NGC, but they were all returned with a label stating something along the lines of "No Variety, Strike Doubling". While I can't say I fully rolled over and accepted my fate of being a maniac that sees an error or variety on every coin I pick up out of the local supermarket parking lot, I did reluctantly put them away thinking, "Huh, that's strange... I would have sworn these were in fact Bugs Bunnies... Is there something wrong with me?"

In any case, I finally pulled these out of the box of shame and began taking photos. I pulled one up to inspect my handiwork and thought, "I'll be damned if that is not a Bugs Bunny!" There may be some hope yet I haven't been living a lie and this coin at least may actually be what I think it is.

Does anyone care to confirm my diagnosis, for better or worse?

Thank you!

Treashunt

Can you do a close up on the mouth?

I think I see something there

Wahoo554

Not my series, but sure looks like Bugs Bunny variety to me after googling close up images.

joeykoins

Here are two of my B.B.'s. Both do have a more dramatic showing. However, in saying that. I checked the PCGS list of pictures they have in the Bugs Bunny category. Some do look like yours?
Here are mine.



So maybe, you do have a beef? Sorry, try again? I know it can be costly? Good Luck

Meltdown

Definitely a "Bugs" variety. Nice photos - looks like a very clean example.

messydesk

I'd put a Bugs Bunny sticker on it. FS-401.

Jzyskowski1

I thought the bugs was a 55 OP picture a 54. Just asking because my mega red sez that 55 is only bugs. Very open to answer 🤨

johnny9434

Bugs bunny for sure, I like

Jzyskowski1

@johnny9434 said:
Bugs bunny for sure, I like

I guess you’re saying 54 is a yes ?

Jzyskowski1

Research sez 52-54-55 and more. Cool answered my own questions. Later. 😉

brocmitchell

@Treashunt said:
Can you do a close up on the mouth?

I think I see something there

I meant to post this much earlier but somehow it didn't compute. I'll have to figure out if this one is worth sending into our host in the future on the slow boat. NGC graded it MS64 FBL. I could see this one in a 64+ if not 65 holder on a good day. It is very near Gem+ but does have the obvious contact marks on Mr. Franklin. This one came out of a Wayte Raymond PDS Date Set holder.

ricko

Looks like a Bugs Bunny to me... Not a feature I have followed (might even have one and not know it)... Guess I better check... Cheers, RickO

WAYNEAS

I say, "What's up Doc"?
It looks good to me.
Wayne

Treashunt

Not as strong as the '55

brocmitchell

I appreciate the feedback, everyone! I know some of these circumstances can be peculiar, either where there are several versions of a particular variety and only a certain die is recognized as the variety, or even when there is a single variety but multiple dies are categorized therein. I spent an inordinate amount of time looking at PCGS True Views for the variety and PUPs listed on a "franklinlover" page and nothing seemed to match. There are either several die states, or several different dies that fall under the FS-401 variety and no way to be sure what is, and what isn't, other than the presence of buck teeth or or a higher set clash giving FS-402 which looks like more of a nose hair variety.

I'm curious if the "Guide Book of Franklin and Kennedy Half Dollars" has detailed information on these varieties or if it's more a compendium on mintages, FBL scarcity, survival rates, "best of", and "major" varieties. Does anyone have a copy that can describe if detailed variety and attribution is covered or only the high points? Thank you!