Are these two 1956 proof half dollars Type1 or Type 2?
SanctionII
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They are two new pick ups and are perplexing (I will discuss them later).
What say you (and why)?
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Type 2, but might have FS-802
They are both Type 2. Here is an image to help:
I agree with @davewesen they could be FS-802. Cannot tell for sure from the photos.
The Cherrypickers guide has a photo of the eagle but it is not very helpful other than it looks like the Type 2 eagle. The description in the CPG reads as follows: "Strong doubling to tripling is evident on the eagle's left wing feathers (viewers right) and the tail feathers. A slight to moderate spread can be seen on HALF DOLLAR and AMERICA, with tripling on the F of HALF and the last A of America."
Can't tell for sure without closeups, but it looks promising.
“In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock." - Thomas Jefferson
My digital cameo album 1950-64 Cameos - take a look!
Our Host has excellent images that might help you.
FS-801:
https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/coin/1956-50c-type-2-ddr-fs-801-cam/393219
FS-802:
https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/coin/1956-50c-type-2-ddr-fs-802-cam/510537
FS801. As per a Franklin expert (not me)
http://www.pcgs.com/SetRegistry/publishedset.aspx?s=142753
https://www.autismforums.com/media/albums/acrylic-colors-by-rocco.291/
Both are type 2. The easiest way to tell is to count the eagle's feathers left of the perch. If there's three left of the perch, it's a type 2. If there's four, it's a type 1.
Coin Photographer.
My initial thought was Type 2, however both coins show significant weakness of the strike on the upper portion of the bottom row of feathers on both sides of the eagle's torso.
This weakness of the strike looks similar to the weak strike on the Type1.
I have never seen this strike weakness on a 1956 Type 2.
Also, neither coin is the DDR 802 variety.
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They have the wrong detail and number of feathers, so some slight weakness won't change anything.
On the bright side, the leftmost coin is the T2 FS-801. Compare to this image on CoinFacts where the reverse die scratches match exactly:
I dislike extra thickness coins due to how minor and hard to identify the doubling is, and Variety Vista doesn't really give secondary characteristics. You can see slight extra thickness on E PLURIBUS UNUM. This is the die pair PCGS calls the FS-801, so congrats!
Coin Photographer.
FlyingAl.
I looked at the half dollar closely. I also looked at the information and photos of the DDR 801 in Variety Vista.
My half dollar is the DDR 801 variety. I think it would grade a PF67.
It is a keeper.