Franklin Halves question

BBN

What is meant by full bell lines? Is it the lines at the bottom of the bell that run horizontal? and what are the words written on the bell? Thanks.

BBN

Am I still on ignore status?

Placid

Yes the bell lines that go around the base of the bell. 6 or 7 I forget.
No idea what the words are maybe find one on heritage they have great blow up pics.

FC57Coins

To have Full Bell lines all 7 bell lines should be clearly visible. In some instances a slight weakness may be allowed, particularly if it's a bad strike year like '54 (upper right cuadrant). I've also seen some '53s and '61s that barely squeak by. So FBL designation should have both sets of bells complete to within 1/64th of the crack on the bell. The legend on the bell reads "Pass and Stow, Philada, MDCCLIII.

Regards,

Frank

Below are really good bell lines.

lathmach

Proclaim LIBERTY throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof LEV.XXVX
By order of the ASSEMBLY of the province of Pensylvania for the State House in Philada
Pass and Stow
Philada
MDCCLIII

(This is the way Pennsylvania is spelled on the Liberty Bell)

Ray

TomB

If you are interested in the criteria used by PCGS they require that only the bottom three lines be full to receive an FBL designation. I assume, but don't know, that NGC, ICG and ANACS have the same requirement.

BBN

Hey thanks everyone. I guess I'm back in again?

TomB

I don't know that you were ever really "out". I think it was more the tone of that single thread coupled with your low post count so that people weren't really familiar with how you view the hobby. I believe there have been very few, if any, people who have been here and tried to participate and communicate but were willingly ignored or expelled.

As for myself; if I have a disagreement with someone I try to leave it in the thread that it occured in and don't bother dragging it around with me.

TomB

I edited this since I somehow managed to inadvertantly post the contents of a PM I was sending to a member into this thread. Okay, I'm a dolt.

BBN

I really didn't know much about ACG until further research the other night and found VERY crappy coins they slab w/ a high grade. I saw a Franklin on ebay they graded PR 67 and it looked like it was in a mud-wrasslin' match and never washed off!!!! God they are a hideous company. I've been collecting for about 3 years. I just never really familiarized myself w/ slabs until the las few months so it was a matter of inexperience.

FC57Coins

TomB:

I'm kinda surprised that PCGS would only grade based on the strength of the bottom bells - particularly since most dealers I deal with are EXTREMELY critical of any coin that doesn't measure up to FBL standards as mentioned in most literature. Where did you come by this information (and I'm not trying to be a smart as*) just would be interested.

Thanks

Frank

TomB

No problem, Frank. I almost referenced it when I wrote it initially because I thought there might be some question as to the veracity or origin of the statement. If you have The Official Guide to Coin Grading and Counterfeit Detection, otherwise known as the PCGS book, look on p67 and you will see that they only distinguish the bottom three lines for their designation.

FC57Coins

Interesting. Thanks Tom.

Frank

DHeath

Tom and Steve,

Tom, I always appreciate your posts. You're well informed, have a GREAT eye, and have been more than willing to help me anytime I have asked you a question. I was amazed to see you posting to this thread, but pleased by it none the less. I credit you for doing so.
Steve, I was pleased to see that the discussion the other night caused you to examine the quality and intentions of Accugrade. I understand that you felt put-upon in the original thread, but in truth, the people who seemed most insulting to you were actually your loudest advocates. They'll be a great asset to you as you continue to build your collection.

All in all, this has been a good day!