Nervous to submit a possible 1953s Franklin FBL.

LucyBop

I have a 53s Franklin that has an outside shot of being MS64 or MS65 FBL. When I compare it to other FBL's that I have which are graded by PCGs, the bell lines on the 53s are just as strong and in some cases stronger. I realize this doesn't guarantee a thing. I have never submitted a coin and I am about to become a member so I can submit. I am nervous about sending this in, what if the coin is a FBL which commands a nice premium, how am I protected from someone at PCGs switching the coin and giving me another? Does anyone else worry about a coin being switched or am I just too nervous and paranoid? No offense to anyone at PCGs, but this is also another reason why I won't have a dealer submit for me, you never know what people can and will do...


The HepKitty

FC57Coins

Hey Lucy:

I wouldn't worry about it too much. The services have too much reputation on the line to pull a stunt like that. If you're really worried and you want some peace of mind, take high resolution scans of your coin then send it in. I hope it does turn out to be an FBL - but remember of the millions that were minted, only 40 or so 53-S halves have been graded by PCGS.

Good luck!

Frank

littlewicher

I've sent in many coins and have never had a problem like that. They've graded over 7 million coins, so you can trust them. So many people wouldn't submit coins if they didn't trust them.

steventheyn

I wouldn't worry about it. Just take some pictures before you send it in just to be safe. If you don't mind, I'm sure the board would like to see some pics. Let us know how it turns out. Good luck.

LucyBop

<< <i>I hope it does turn out to be an FBL - but remember of the millions that were minted, only 40 or so 53-S halves have been graded by PCGS. >>



Yeah, odds are it won't get this grade, but, when I compare it with other years that have gotten the FBL it has a decent chance, it is actually better then 3 FBL's that I own.... Thanks for everyones input, I am gonna do it!




the Hepkitty

supercoin

You don't have to worry about PCGS deliberately switching it.

Of course they may accidentally send it to someone else, drop it, fingerprint it, chop it in half when they slab it, or leave it out for the PCGS dog to lick.

And the post office may lose it, steal it, misdirect it, or the old standy -- fold/spindle/mutilate it.

Good luck, and sweet dreams!

LucyBop

If they finger print it on the bell and this actually makes the lines stronger, then...............

MICHAELDIXON

Why don't you post pictures of it on the board for members to give their opinions as to FBL?

LucyBop

Here is a link to a picture of this half. FBL?

It is the best picture my camera could take, there is slight weakness to the left of the crack on the main 3 lines, the lower lines are
better then what shows on this picture, this picture looks like I took a hammer and chisel to the bottom left of the bell, however, on some of my other PCG's Fbl's this area is very crappy, do they (PCGs) focus more on the row of lines towards the bottom as opposed to the lines at the very bottom of the bell? It seems PCGs was very generous of some of my FBLs, I doubt they will be on a key date as the 53s. But in either case, I need a slabbed 53s for my collection anyways...

Bear

Supercoin - You keep making posts like your last one and you will be giving someone hypertension. Bear

MICHAELDIXON

LucyBop,
Due to the weakness on the bottom left row of bell lines, I don't think your coin will go FBL. IMO it looks about 95% FBL.

littlewicher

I don't think that it will go FBL either.

JJacks

Lucy,

Remember that having STRONG bell lines isn't enough. They have to be COMPLETE bell lines, with no real interruptions.

Scans are always tough to grade from, but what is the deal with the bottom lines on the right section of the left half (Straight above the area between "HALF" and "DOLLAR"? It looks like the lines are easily broken up in this area. I also see a big mark for example straight up from the right of the "L" in "HALF", that appears possibly to break up the middle line.

On your other FBL coins, maybe the lines are weaker, but maybe they are more continuous then on this coin. For you sake, I hope you can get the grade you want, but I don't know.

JJacks

supercoin

I agree not quite an FBL, in particular with the hits on the lines, but it's probably better struck overall than many with that designation. Particularly the other bell details including a full PASS AND STOW. If the obverse is similar that's a beautiful example of the date.

And maybe someday when there's less emphasis on one specific area and designation, and more on the overall quality of the strike, you'll be rich.

Definitely a keeper!

LucyBop

Thanks for all the input boys, this coin was purchased by me over 8 years ago for $8.50 and has just been sitting in my drawer....The coin does look better in person on that lower left area that what the pic shows but, for this key date it probably has to be flawless, the obverse of this coin is really nice....I will submit it anyways and hope for a MS65.........When I bought it I never even heard of FBL. How long has this designation been?

clevegreg

Any way it comes out, it is a really nice, very well struck coin. Goog luck!!


Greg

littlewicher

Does anyone know if NGC labeled their Franklins FBL in their old holders?

FC57Coins

True enough Lucy, that's a nice half - but it won't go FBL. I'm not sure when NGC started putting the FBL designation on their slabs, but like PCGS, their first years they didn't carry the designation either.

Frank

steventheyn

I have some FBL's that look about like that but I think PCGS will be more strict with the FBL on the 53-S. At any rate it's a beautiful coin and I would be happy to purchase it, with or without FBL's.