Franklin Guys...
HuliganRS
Posts: 345 ✭
Hi folks,
I'm thinking (Actually already decided) to collect Franklin's in addition to my Kennedy's... Can someone give me a quick breakdown of the dates and mint marks? Is FBL worth the hype? What are the keys? I'm setting my goal at MS-64 FBL... is that reasonable? or should I do MS-65?
H E L P is appreciated,
Rusty.
I'm thinking (Actually already decided) to collect Franklin's in addition to my Kennedy's... Can someone give me a quick breakdown of the dates and mint marks? Is FBL worth the hype? What are the keys? I'm setting my goal at MS-64 FBL... is that reasonable? or should I do MS-65?
H E L P is appreciated,
Rusty.
0
Comments
A primer on Franklins on the board? Let's see if I can do this without taking up too much space.
1. Read what little there is on the series. Jack Ehrmantraut's "An Analysis of Gem Franklin Half Dollars" is an excellent starter, followed by Rick Tomaska's book on Franklin Halves, also an excellent source of information - this one is due to be updated by the end of the year I think.
2. There are really no tough dates unless you get into the high end full bell line coins. You can build a decent MS64 set for I'd say under $1000. Full Bell line coins are pretty much available up to MS64FBL. After that you get into the more expensive ($400 and up) coins with the issues from 60 to 63 (except 63D which runs about $100). Other expensive 65FBL's include the 49D, 50D, 51S, 52S, 54S, and of course the biggest obstacle, the 53S. The 53S gives you an idea of how wide ranging the series is priced. You can pick one up, in a 64 slab for less than $20. MS65 will run you between $40-50, and an MS66 about $200-250. Now in 64FBL, you're talking $2-3000, and 65FBL close to $9,000. The highest price to date paid for a Franklin was for a 1953S in MS66FBL which sold for $69,000.
3. As to the reason for Full Bell Lines, the answer is strike. Franklins are notorious for weak strikes, and therefore, if you get a full bell line coin, it will generally offer as much detail as possible. Now, I've seen really pretty non full bell line coins, and I've seen really ugly full bell line coins, which is another reason which makes the series fun and challenging. Finding a truly gem Franklins in it's full blossom is quite the sight to behold, but you have to look long and hard because there are a lot of duds along the way.
Hope this helps a little bit. If you want to yack more about Franklins send me a PM or an email - I'm always game for a good conversation on the subject. I'll leave you with a couple of pictures of my favorites.
Best regards and good luck.
Frank
Thanks.
Proof Dime Registry Set
DAN
My first tassa slap 3/3/04
My shiny cents
The half I am getting rid of and me, forever and always Taken in about 1959
I think Franklin Half Dollars are a great set, and one that can be very challenging when trying to put together white and/or attractively toned pieces... challenging not so much from a standpoint of cost, but from the stanpoint of finding nice coins.
Frank provided some great information for you, and I would agree that a nice set in MS64 is certainly attainable. I am working on a set (see link), and for me, decided to go with non full bell line coins. I have actually found that in many instances these are more difficult to find than fully struck or full bell line examples!
I would suggest not limiting your self to ONLY FBL examples as I feel you will be excluding many very nice pieces that would fit into a nicer set. Which ever direction you go, good luck and enjoy the hunt!
Bill
My Franklin Set
Just kidding - I much more prefer the proof series - DCAM Franklins are absolutely beautiful. I have a bunch of spares if anyone is interested.
Mark
Wingsrule: Spares? Did someone say Spares? I'll take 'em all !!!
But honestly I wouldn't mind a nice DCAM or CAM Franklin... Whatch asking for 'em?
Thanks,
Rusty.
For some life lasts a short while, but the memories it holds last forever.
-Laura Swenson
In memory of BL, SM, and KG. 16 and forever young, rest in peace.
My set is #2 with Varieties
Rusty.