Franklin Half "Passport Book" set
WACoinGuy
Posts: 1,224 ✭✭✭✭
I recently posted on the BST forum looking for a Franklin half for a set I'm assembling, but thought I'd share my progress towards the set here. Even though my collecting interests are more towards early Federal coinage nowadays, I've always had a soft spot for the Franklin half dollar yet never put together a set. I decided to try to put together a set of MS-64 FBL coins (I'll probably make an exception for the 1953-S), with a goal that each coin should come from a different source. Think of it as a "passport book" of coins - with each one telling a different story about how I got it. Ideally, I'd like to do this based on trips I take - though I only take a few trips a year and it can be hard to hunt down a coin shop on those trips. But even if this comes together from coin shows or local outings, I think it would still be meaningful.
I'm still towards the start of this goal - I'll post what I have now and then add to it each time I get a NEWP. Hopefully this proves interesting!
Comments
1948-D
PQ Dollars
December 9, 2004
This was the first slabbed Franklin I got for my better quality type set. I wanted a better date in the series but not something too expensive.
1948
Off eBay
June 23, 2025
I bought this one specifically because I didn't have any coins in a CACG holder. I had just gotten a new storage box for my coins and wanted to see how the slab would fit. I wanted something that wasn't too expensive but would be a nice fit in my collection, so landed on the idea of another Franklin half. I guess this was a precursor to the direction this set was going to take (the slab fits nicely BTW).
1959-D
Stack's Bowers
September 29, 2025
While visiting New York a few months ago, I happened across a Stack's Bowers location on Park Avenue (and a Heritage location across the street!). I didn't know they had a physical location there so decided to head in and see what it was like. They had 2-3 cases of coins for sale, and I was surprised they had a lot of more common pieces. I was talking to the dealer and mentioned I had to buy something just to say I had gotten it there, and lo and behold - there was a nice looking MS-64 Franklin in the case. I almost jokingly said that I should try to complete this set with every coin from a different source and he said that would be a great idea. So .. my quest was born.
1957-D
John Howe
October 4, 2025
At the PNNA coin show, I decided to add another Franklin. A few dealers had them, but I sat at this dealer's table. He was working with another customer and they got into a heated exchange about payment - he had a cash only sign and the customer wanted to pay by check. After the exchange I just looked and him, looked at the sign and said "some people can't read, huh?" Softened the mood, and I picked this coin from a few he had in stock. Then I pulled out my credit card which made him laugh and knock a dollar off the price. Sometimes a little humor can go a long way.
1952-S
David Lawrence
November 5, 2025
I was trying to avoid too many online purchases - but I was willing to bend the rule for this semi-key, and since I'll probably not get the 1953-S in FBL, this will likely be the most expensive purchase. Buying online has some advantages - I was able to study close-up pictures and take my time with a decision. So, I don't have as colorful a story here but was at least able to lock this coin up early.
1959
washman (BST forum)
December 3, 2025
After rejoining the message boards a few months ago, I decided I should get one of my Franklins from a fellow collector through the forum. I just got this coin yesterday; nice to meet a fellow collector who had submitted this coin himself. It's a nice looking coin save for a few spots - great addition to my collection.
My next trip is going to be to Santa Monica in February ... anyone have any suggestions for coin shops in the area that might have some MS-64 Franklins?
This is a fun project and you have a solid start already with some nice Franklins!
Disclaimer: I'm not a dealer, trader, grader, investor or professional numismatist. I'm just a hobbyist. (To protect me but mostly you! 🤣 )
Managed to swing by Wilshire Coin while I was in Santa Monica this weekend. Picked up this new Franklin for my set (#7) ... it's going to be a long journey to complete but I'm enjoying getting to see new LCS along the way.
I like this project. Excellent fun. Good luck